Fabulous French Bread

Added March 04, 2004 | Recipe #85705

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Prep Time:

Cook Time:

1 hrs

20 mins

This recipe is simple and great. I got it at a church women's function and have made it many, many times since.

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Ingredients:

Yield:

loaves

Units: US | Metric

1

Pour warm water into a large, warm mixing bowl.
2

Stir in sugar, salt, oil, 3 cups of flour, and yeast.
3

Beat vigorously for 2-3 minutes.
4

Stir in remaining flour until all dry ingredients are incorporated, leaving spoon right in batter.
5

Allow dough to rest 10 minutes; then stir down.
6

Allow dough to rest another 10 minutes and stir down again.
7

Repeat this process until dough has been stirred down 5 times.
8

Turn dough onto floured surface.
9

Knead only enough to coat the dough with flour so it can be handled.
10

Divide dough into 2 parts.
11

Roll each half into a rectangle approximately 9x12 inches, and roll up like a jelly roll starting from the long side.
12

Pinch ends to seal.
13

Arrange on a large baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal, leaving enough room for both loaves.
14

Cover lightly and let rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.
15

With a very sharp knife, cut 3 diagonal slashes on top of each loaf.
16

Brush each loaf with beaten egg.
17

Bake immediately at 400°F for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
18

Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire racks.
19

*NOTE: I have used my Kitchenaid mixer to do all the mixing and it works great either way.