This easy French bread is perfectly soft with a deliciously chewy crust!
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Resting time2 hourshrs10 minutesmins
Total Time3 hourshrs
Servings: 2loaves
Author: Lydia @ ThriftyFrugalMom.com
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Ingredients
1/2cuplukewarm water
2Tbsp.yeast
1Tbsp.sugar
2cupshot water
1Tbsp.shortening
1Tbsp.salt
7 to 7 1/4cupsbread flour
1egg white, lightly beaten and mixed with 1 tbsp. water
Instructions
Mix ½ c. water, yeast and sugar. Set aside.
Add shortening and salt to 2 c. hot water; cool until lukewarm. Add yeast mixture then gradually add flour until soft dough.
Knead until smooth, about 10 to 12 minutes. (I use my Bosch mixer to do this.)
Place in greased bowl, cover with damp cloth, let rise until doubled.
Divide in half. Grease a baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal.
Shape loaves into narrow rolls, the length of the sheet. Slash top several times with sharp knife. (I do this about 4 different spots across the loaf.)
Brush with egg white/water mixture.
Let rise until double.
Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until lightly browned, brushing with egg white/water mixture after 15 minutes of baking.