French Bread

Today my pastor's wife called and invited me over to make French Bread. Of course I didn't refuse. She makes awesome bread. I'm so glad I went. Not only was it wonderful to visit with her but the French Bread was over the top good and so easy to make.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1/2 tsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. oil

2 tsp. salt

2 cups boiling water

7-8 cups flour

Directions:

(1) In a bowl combine warm water and 1/2 tsp. sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand for 30 minutes.

(2) Meanwhile in a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups boiling hot water, 2 Tbsp. sugar, 2 Tbsp. oil and 2 tsp. salt. Let cool.

(3) After 30 minutes add yeast mixture to the water mixture. Using a wooden spoon add flour one cup at a time until it begins to come together and is no longer sticky.

(4) Knead for 8-10 minutes. Place in a large greased bowl and cover gently with a towel. Let rise until doubled.

(5) Punch down and rest for another 15 minutes.

(6) Divide dough in half. Roll each into a 12"x15" rectangle. Roll each into a 15" long log. Tuck ends under.

(7) Place on a greased baking sheet. Make 4-5 slashes on top.

(8) Let rise until double.

(9) Brush bread with a mixture of 1 beaten egg and 2 Tbsp. milk.

(10) Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.