French Bread

This is an easy French Bread recipe that I got from my friend. I made 12 loaves for a Priesthood Preview dinner and it was a hit. Much, much better than the store-bought stuff.

HOMEMADE FRENCH BREAD
2 1/2 cups warm water
2 Tablespoons Yeast
3 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons white vinegar
add these ingredients together and let sit until bubbly
1 Tablespoon salt
1/3 cup oil (any kind will do- I used Canola)
6 cups of flour (or a little more if it is too soft). I used 1/2 whole wheat

Put water, yeast, sugar and vinegar in your bowl, mix and let sit until yeast gets foamy. Add the rest of the ingredients and then knead for 2-5 mins.(I use my Bosch) Put dough in a bowl (or keep in the mixing bowl) and put in the oven with a small pot of water that you have already boiled. The water will keep the dough moist. Watch the dough and punch it down when it gets to the top of the mixing bowl. Do this every time it gets to the top of the bowl (I just set a timer and go about my day and check it every 30 mins). You can do this twice or longer if you wish. I opt for the two times!
Put the dough on a greased countertop and divide into 3 sections. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal on the cookie sheet (or use parchment paper). Roll the dough into balls and then rectangle shapes (french bread shapes). Slash tops of bread diagonally 3-5 times and cover with a beaten egg. Let rise 30 mins (or until doubled). Makes three medium size loaves. Recipe can be doubled to make great 6 loaves. Bake at 375 for 30 mins.