Famous French Bread

Recipe via Sharon Gibb via Welling Homemaking - April 1987 - Sister Jardine

Makes 2 loaves

In a large mixing bowl pour :
    2 1/2 cups warm water (105* - 115*)

Stir in:

    2 TBSP sugar

    2 pkg (2 Tbsp) active dry yeast

Allow to stand until yeast begins to work and foams up.

Stir in:
    1 TBSP salt
    2 TBSP oil or melted shortening
    2 cups of the 6 cups of flour

Beat vigorously for 2 - 3 minutes

Stir in:
    remaining 4 cups flour

Stir until all dry ingredients are completely mixed in: leave wooden spoon in dough
Cover with clean towel and allow dough to rest 10 minutes, then stir down.
Allow dough to rest another 10 minutes, then stir down again
Repeat this process until dough has been stirred down five times
Turn dough onto floured board; knead only enough to coat dough with flour so it can be handled (3 or 4 times);
Divide dough into 2 portions
Roll each portion of dough into rectangle about 9 x 12 inches and roll up like a jelly roll, rolling from long side.
Pinch edge of loaf to seal dough
Arrange seam side down, lengthwise on large cookie sheet that's been sprinkled with cornmeal (optional) allowing for both loaves. (Can put on parchment paper on bottom of cookie sheet first if desired)
Cover lightly with clean towel; allow to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.
With sharp knife, cut three gashes at an angle on top; brush entire surface with slightly beaten whole egg diluted with a little water.
If desired, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.

Bake immediately at 400* for 20 - 30 minutes or until brown.
Remove from baking sheet immediately and cool on racks

Optional: You can add 1 cup parmesan cheese and decrease the flour, the cheese adds a great taste!

Garlic French Bread
Slash baked bread in even 1 1/2 inch slices, making cuts on bias without cutting clear through.
In small bowl mash 1 clove garlic thoroughly; remove garlic pieces, leaving residue juices.
In same bowl cream 1/2 cup (1 stick) soft butter or margarine so that it absorbs garlic juice that's left in bowl
In place of fresh garlic, blend in 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Spread mixture generously between slices.
Wrap loaf securely in aluminum foil
Bake at 325* for 30 minutes or until bread is hot.
Makes 20 Slices