French Bread

A wonderful aunt shared this recipe with us.  It's super delicious!

Ingredients

• 2.5 c. very warm water
• 2 T. sugar
• 2 T. yeast
• 1 T. salt
• 2 T. cooking oil
• 6 c. flour
• corn meal
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Pour warm water, sugar, salt, oil, 1/2 the flour and yeast into a large mixing bowl.
2. Beat vigorously 2-3 minutes
3. Stir in remaining flour until all dry ingredients are completely mixed
4. Repeat the following 5 times
1. Allow dough to rest 10 min
2. Stir down
5. Turn dough onto floured board
6. Knead only enough to coat dough with flour so it can be handled (2-3 times)
7. Divide dough into 2 parts
8. Roll each part into a 9x12 inch rectangle and roll like a jellyroll
9. Pinch edge of loaf to seal dough
10. Arrange lengthwise on cookie sheet sprinkled with corn meal
11. Let rise at room temperature for 30 min
12. Slice 3 gashes along top of each loaf
13. Brush surface with slightly beaten whole egg
14. Bake at 400 F for 25-30 min or until brown
15. Remove and cool on rack

Yields: 2 loaves