Ahhh...Fresh Bread From the Oven

This past weekend wasn't all fail.  Homemade bread = WIN!

One of the best smells in life...

bread baking in the oven.

One of the best tastes in life...

hot bread just from the oven.

Butter optional.

Easy Homemade French Bread    Print Recipe

Crisp crust, lightly chewy center.  Makes 2 large loaves.

1/2 cup warm water
2 pkg. dry active yeast OR 4 1/2 t. dry active yeast
2 cups hot water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 T. sugar
1 T. salt
6 cups all-purpose flour

1. In small cup or bowl, add together warm (not hot) water and the yeast.  Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the hot water, oil, sugar, salt and 3 cups of the flour.  Mix until combined.
3. Add the water and yeast mixture.  Stir until combined.
4. Add the remaining 3 cups of flour.  Stir until combined.
5. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
6. Stir for a minute with wooden spoon. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.  Repeat 3 times.
7. Divide dough in half.
8. Roll out one half of the divided dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle shape. 
9. Roll up long edge of dough jelly roll style.
10. Place rolled dough onto a lightly greased baking sheet or on a rectangle baking stone. 
11. Repeat for second half of dough.
12. Let rise in warm place for 30 minutes.
13. Make 3 diagonal slashes across top of each loaf. 
14. Brush loaf tops with a beaten egg white. 
15. Bake 400° for 30 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
16. Remove loaves to wire rack to cool.
17. Eat while warm. Yum!

NOTE: You can sprinkle herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano to top of loaves while baking. Adding some grated Parmesan would be great too.

Enjoy!