French Bread

By á-5981

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 c warm water (105-110 degrees)
• 2 (1/4oz) envelopes active dry yeast
• 2 T sugar
• 3 T olive oil
• 1 T salt
• 7-8 c bread flour

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine 2-1/2c warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes or until mixture is foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, and salt. Add yeast mixture, beating at low speed with a mixer until smooth. Gradually add 5c flour beating until smooth. Gradually beat in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
On a lightly floured surface, turn dough out and knead 6-8 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl turning to grease top. Cover and let stand in warm place (85degrees) free from drafts for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Lightly grease a baking sheet. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface roll one half of dough jelly roll fashion, starting at 1 long side. Repeat procedure with remaining dough. Place on prepared pan, cover and let rise in warm place free from drafts for 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Using a sharp knife make diagonal slashes about 1" apart on top of each loaf.
Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped. Let cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.

To make garlic cheese breadsticks: Add 1(6oz) package shredded parmesan cheese and 1t garlic powder to french bread dough after adding yeast mixture. Continue with first rising as directed. When shaping dough, roll out dough into a 15x12 rectangle and place on a lightly greased cooking sheet. Using a pizza wheel or a sharp knife cut dough into thirds then cut each third into 1: wide strips. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter if desired.