RECIPE: French Bread

I have several bread recipes that are a hit with family and friends, however, my French Bread recipe seems to be the favorite.  For those of you who have requested here it is!

FRENCH BREAD

2 packages active dry yeast (2 teaspoons)

2 3/4 cups warm water

7 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

4 1/4 teaspoon salt

Proof yeast in 1/4 cup warm water.

Mix flour and salt, add to remaining warm water.  Blend into dough, knead onto a floured board until dough is smooth and elastic.

Put dough in a covered bowl and let rise until doubled in bulk.  Punch dough down and let rise a second time until doubled.  Punch down.  turn onto a floured aboard and shape as desired.  Let rise, covered with plastic wrap, until doubled in size.  Long loaves must be slashed along the top with a sharp knife.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake for about 25 minutes, spraying the loaves with water 3 or 4 times during baking.  This makes a crispy crust.  Bake until golden brown. 

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

HINT:  Instead of just guessing the bread is done by appearance, I like to use a meat thermometer.  Bread is done at 180 degrees internal temperature.  I use this method with all my breads yeast and quick rising.