French Bread

Submitted by Nanna D

"An easy bread to make - start it mid afternoon and it is ready for dinner."

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 6
• Yields: 2-3 loaves
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 8 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons yeast
• 3 cups warm water

directions

1. Sprinkle yeast in 1 cup of the water; dissolve.
2. Stir into all other ingredients and blend well.
3. At 10 minute intervals, work through dough with a spoon 5 consecutive times (I do this with my hands).
4. Turn dough on lightly floured board and divide into 2 balls*; this makes two thicker loaves (more like an Italian bread. For smaller loaves, divide into 3 balls. Let set for 10 minutes, then roll each ball out into rectangles.
5. Starting with long side, roll up, jellyroll fashion, then seal edges.
6. Place rolls on greased cookie sheets and let rise until almost double in size.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 400 degrees.