Homemade Bakery French Bread

There is nothing more comforting than a hot piece of bread straight out of the oven.  This recipe only takes a little over an hour.  Why go to the bakery when you can make this right at home?

2 TBS yeast (make sure you use fresh)

1/2 cup warm water

2 cups hot water

3 TBS sugar

2 1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup oil

6 1/2 cups flour

1 egg for brushing on top of bread

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm  water.  Make sure that your water is warm (not too cold, not too hot).  Let proof for 10 minutes.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt, oil and 3 cups of the flour and mix together.  Add the yeast mixture to a bowl.

Add the remaining 3 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition.  Watch for it to start pulling away from the bowl to know it is ready.  Once all of the flour is added, let sit for 10 minutes.

Separate your dough into 3 piecesFrench bread loaf and smooth out the edges.

Place the dough on a greased baking pan or a Silpat, seam side down.  Using a knife, make 3 to 4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch thick in the bread.  Brush with your beaten egg.  

Let dough rise uncovered for 30-40 minutes in a warm place.

Bake at 375 for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. 

Makes 3 loaves

Source:  www.modernhoney.com

Eileen