French Bread

Ingredients:

6 c. all purpose flour( divided)

2 1/2 packages active dry yeast( or 2T)

1 1/2 t. salt

2 c warm water(110 degrees)

1 T cornmeal

1 egg

1T water

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine 2 c. flour, yeast and salt. Stir in 2 c. water and mix until blended. Using a wooden spoon, mix in remaining 4 c. flour.( i put mine in the bread machine to knead.) If doing by hand,put dough on lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes.

Shape into a ball. Place dough in greased bowl. Turn once.

Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled( about an hour)Punch down dough and divide into two. shape into loaf shape. Sprinkle cornmeal on baking sheet. Place dough onto cookie sheet. Take sharp knife and make slits ( 3 or 4) into top of dough. Mix together egg and 1 T water. Brush over top of loaves. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Again, brush with remaining egg mixture. Continue to bake 15-20 minutes until bread is golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire rack.Calories per loaf=94

Serves 20