I love it when people come for supper because it causes me to make things that I don't usually make but I really like making. Bread and bread products are probably my favourite thing to make but also are the least made in my house. Why you ask? For the simple fact that I would eat all of it. I love making bread because its so warm and it just begs you to put your hands in it and knead it. Needless to say I had company tonight hence the inspiration for French bread.
French Bread
Ingredients
2 C warm water
1 tbsp yeast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp salt
5-5 1/2 C bread flour
Directions
In a large bowl dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water, allow the yeast to proof, this should take no longer than 5 minutes or else your yeast is too old or your water was too hot. Add salt, oil, 3 cups of flour mix it all together. Stir in the other 2 cups flour to make a stiff dough. Knead until smooth and elastic approximately 10 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, turn the dough to coat all the sides, cover and let rise until doubled. Punch the dough back and divide in half, shape the dough into 2 slender loaves. Place loaves on a long cookie sheet, cut diagonal gashes on the top of each loaf, cover and let rise til doubled. Bake at 375 for about 30-35 minutes (when you knock on the bottom of them they should sound hollow and be a golden brown)
*You can sprinkle or spray your loaves with water while they're baking to get a very crunchy crust*
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