French Bread

For my son's birthday, I wanted to make him a recipe I found for Apple Cinnamon French Toast. But it called for French Bread. I had never actually made french toast with french bread before! So, I remembered that my favorite Grandmother Bread had several versions. So I went searching on Chickens In The Road, where the Grandmother Bread came from. And I found it!

Here it is! Delicious, and another favorite side for our family...

French Bread (this makes 2 loaves)

3 C. Warm Water
1 Tbsp. Yeast
1 tsp. salt (I use sea salt)
2 tsp. sugar (I use honey)
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
7 C. Flour (I use unbleached)

Combine warm water, yeast, salt, sugar and olive oil in large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes. Then add the flour, one cup at a time until dough is no longer sticky. Knead the bread to combine the last amounts of flour. Let rise in a greased bowl until doubled (about an hour).

Sprinkle a small amount of flour on dough, then knead again. Take and divide into 2 loaves, about 12+ inches long. Place on greased baking sheet, add corn meal to the pan if desired. Put immediately into oven at 375 degrees (do not preheat oven). Bake for 30-40 minutes, until done.

Easy, delicious! I can't wait to make pizza on this bread! Enjoy!