Easy French Bread

I love French bread. I especially love warm, fresh out of the oven, homemade French bread to serve with dinner. A while ago my good friend Amber made me some of this bread and brought it over. She then sent me the recipe and I recently had a chance to try it. It was delicious and the perfect addition to our meal that night.

No Fail French Bread
From Amber


Yeild: 2 large Loaves

2 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons dry yeast
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons oil
6 cups flour
1 egg; beaten
sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

In a large bowl combine water, sugar and yeast. Let stand for about 5 minutes or until foamy. Stir in salt, oil and 3 cups of flour. Stir virgorously. Add remaining 3 cups of flour and mix well. Let stand 10 minutes and stir down. Repeat this process 5 times, which will take one hour.

Place dough onto floured board. Knead only enough to coat dough with flour so it can be handled. divide in half. Roll into two rectangles about 9X12 inches long. Roll up from long side. Moisten seam with a small amount of water and pinch to seal. Arrange both loaves lengthwise on a large, well greased cooikie sheet. Place seam side down. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 30-45 min.

Glaze with beaten egg (brush on gently) and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds ( I didnt have any). Use a very sharp knife to gently make 3 diagonal gashes in top of each loaf.

Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.