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Homemade French Bread

   Ingredients

·         2 cups warm water

·         1 tablespoon yeast

·         1 tablespoon vegetable oil

·         1 tablespoon sugar

·         2 teaspoons salt

·         5 -5 ¹⁄₂ cups flour

Directions

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in large bowl; allow yeast to proof or foam (about 10 minutes).

Add salt, oil, and 3 cups flour; beat for 2 minutes.

Stir in 2 cups flour to make a stiff dough.    

Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Place in oiled bowl, turn dough to coat all sides, cover and let rise until doubled in size.

 

Punch down and divide into three balls.

  Sprinkle oil on a large cookie sheet and shape dough into three long slender loaves.

Then place the loaves on the sheet and cut diagonal gashes on top of each loaf 

(I used scissors). Cover and let rise until doubled.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.

You can sprinkle or spray water on the loaves half way through baking if you want a really crunchy crust.

Also once the bread is finished baking I like to toast it under the broiler for a minute or two. (Make sure to watch it closely because it toasts very quickly)

Let cool and serve,

 This French bread is awesome to use for subs, spinach 

and artichoke dip, and cucumber sandwiches.