French loaves

By á-48744

Ingredients

• 1 pkg yeast
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 4-1/2 to 5 cups bread flour
• 1 tsp cornmeal

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. add the salt, sugar and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth.stir in 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 the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface, divide in half. Form into 2 12 inch long loaves. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle top with cornmeal. With a sharp knife, make 4 shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Bake at 450 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.