Crusty French Bread Recipe

• 2 c. hot water, 100 degrees
• 1 pkg. active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 2 teaspoon salt
• About 5 c. flour
• 1 beaten egg white, optional

1. Pour water into large bowl; sprinkle in yeast and stir till dissolved.
2. Add in sugar, salt and 3 c. flour.
3. Stir to mix and then beat till smooth; stir in balance of flour.
4. Sprinkle flour on board and knead till satiny and smooth about 5 to 7 min.
5. Shape in a smooth ball.
6. Rub bowl lightly with shortening.
7. Press top of dough to bowl and then turn over.
8. Cover with waxed paper and then a clean cloth.
9. Let rise till double (about 1 hour); punch down and divide in half.
10. Put on floured board; cover and let rest 5 min.
11. Shape loaves by gently rolling into long slender loaves.
12. Put on cookie sheet (greased) about 4 inches apart.
13. Cut gashes 3/4 inches deep, 1 1/2 inches apart on top of bread.
14. Cover and let rise till a little more than doubled (1 hour).
15. Bake in warm oven, 425 degrees for 30 to 35 min.
16. Remove from oven.
17. Brush with egg white.
18. Return to oven for 2 min.
19. Remove from pan.
20. Makes 2 loaves.

hot water, active dry yeast, sugar, salt, flour, egg white

Taken from cookeatshare.com/recipes/crusty-french-bread-16063 (may not work)