Easy French Bread

My friend Christin was nice enough to teach bread making classes and I learned how to make french bread and it turned out amazing!  So some people have asked for the recipe.  So here goes! This picture is of the loaf I actually made at the class!  I give this recipe 5 stars!














This recipe yields 2 loaves

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Tbsp yeast (any yeast)
2 1/2 cups very warm water
3 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp salt
1/3 cup oil
6 to 6 1/2 cups flour

1 egg (whisked)

Directions:

In a large bowl or mixer, combine yeast, water, sugar, salt, and oil.  Mix in half of the flour.  Mix (or knead) the remaining flour in gradually, until it is smooth, and still sticky when you squeeze it but not when you tap it.  (about 6-8 min. on med speed in your mixer)

Allow the dough to rest for 20-30 minutes.

Turn raised dough onto a floured surface.  Lightly dust with flour.  Divide dough in half.  Roll each half into 9x12 rectangle.  Start at the long edge, roll and tuck in, as for a jelly roll.  Seal edge.  Place both rolls seam side down on a large greased baking sheet (or use parchment paper, it's easier!).  Slash top of each loaf diagonally 3 times (or more) with a sharp knife.  Brush with beaten egg, (the more you can brush on, the better).

Let rise 15-30 minutes, or when it looks nice and ready to bake.  Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes, (or until it has been reddish or golden brown all over for around 10 minutes, but remove if it is bordering on burning.)

Let cool for 10 min. before serving (so you don't flatten it!).