French Bread

When baked on cookie sheets, the loaves tend to flaten out. There are French bread "molds" that can help the finished bread have that classic French loaf look.

Directions

1. Bread can be made in a bread machine capable of making large loaves of bread. Use the french bread setting and, dependimng on your machine, select the appropriate crust color.
2. For hand-made bread, a bread machine can be used to make the dough or:
3. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and make your dough. Remove dough to floured surface and thoroughly knead dough until uniform and non-sticky.
4. Return the dough to the bowl. Cover with a cloth and set in a warm place to rise. When the dough has doubled, remove from bowl and knead the dough again until of a uniform consistency.
5. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. For each piece, flatten into rectangle. Roll out until 12 by 6 inches. Roll into 12 inch long cigar shape. Pinch seam to close and round ends with the fingers.
6. Place dough rolls on cookie sheet. mae slits with serrated knife, if desired. Cover with cloth and set in warm place to rise.
7. When dough has risen to loaf size, bake in preheated 375°F. oven for 30 minutes or until crust is a nice golden brown. Allow to cool on rack.

Before baking, brush loaf with beaten egg, if desired, for a glossy finish.