French Bread

French Bread

(Taken from the 25th ward cook book--original recipe from Ardith Parkinson)

3 c Hot water  ( hot to touch, not boiling)

2 Tbls instant yeast

3 Tbls sugar

1 Tbls salt

7-9 cups flour

In a bowl add hot water, sugar, yeast , salt and about 4 cups of flour.  Mix together on low spead for  30-60 seconds, stop mixing and allow to sit for 10 minutes (sponging). Using low speed mix in the rest of the flour 1 cup at a time until the dough starts to pull away from the sides and bottom of the bowl.  ( it usually takes my bread about 8 cups of flour)  Knead on medium speed for 4-5 minutes.  Turn dough out on a lightly oiled counter. Cut into 2 even sized loaves. Raise in the oven @ 150 degrees for 10 minutes then increase the over to 350 degrees and continue to bake for 20-25 minutes.  

Prior to putting the loaves in the overn, you can brush the tops of the loaves with beaten egg white mixed with 1 TBL water for a shiney top.

Can half recipe if you only want one loaf.