French Bread

By shelliec

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 slice) equals 99 calories, 1 g fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.

Ingredients

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 2-1/2 cups water (110° to 115°)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 6 to 6 -1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Cornmeal
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, oil, salt and 4 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down. Divide in half. Roll each half into a 15-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Roll up from a long side; seal well. Place with seam side down on greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.

Beat egg white and water; brush over loaves. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray; let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.

With a very sharp knife, make four shallow diagonal cuts across top. BAKE at 400° for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. (for variations, check "french bread seasoning")