Catholic Recipe: Basic French Bread

Try making this bread for the feast of St. Peter Julian Eymard, a French saint of the Eucharist or for any other occasion that calls for a loaf of homemade bread.

DIRECTIONS

Place 1 cup warm water in a large bowl. Add sugar and yeast. Do not stir. Let sit about 5 minutes.

Add remaining cup of warm water, salt and 3 cups flour. Mix in 1 more cup flour.

Now add flour in 1/2 cup increments till dough is smooth but stiff. Knead dough on a floured surface for at least 5 minutes. Place in large oiled bowl and cover. Let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Punch down and divide in half. Shape into 2 rolls. Place on oiled cookie sheet or French load pans. Let rise again till doubled.

Beat egg white with 1 teaspoon water and very lightly brush loaves with mixture.

Bake in 375 degree oven for 35 to 45 minutes.

To make EXTRA Crusty: Spray sides of oven with water every 10 minutes. When done, cool loaves on a rack.