French Bread

Ingredients:

• 5-6 C. bread flour
• 2 1/2 C. water (130°F)
• 2 Tbsp. rapid rise yeast
• 1/3 C. oil
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• cooking spray
• sesame seeds

Directions:

1. In a gallon zippered plastic bag, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Seal bag and blend well.
3. Add warm water and oil; seal and knead the bag with fingers until smooth and well blended.
4. Add 2 cups flour and work until blended.
5. Add another cup of flour to make a soft dough.
6. Turn dough out onto lightly floured board.
7. Knead 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
8. Spray dough with cooking spray; cover with plastic wrap; let rest 20 minutes.
9. Punch dough down.
10. Divide dough into two parts and roll each into a French bread style loaf.
11. Arrange on greased cookie sheet.
12. Brush top with beaten egg white; sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
13. With sharp knife, slash top diagonally three times, 1/4” deep.
14. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until double in bulk (20 minutes to 1 hour).
15. Bake at 400° F until light brown, about 30-35 minutes.

Yield: 2 loaves