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Best Ever French Bread

Source of Recipe

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List of Ingredients

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 tablespoons shortening
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups boiling water
2 packages yeast -- DISSOLVED IN
1/2 cup warm water
1 teaspoon sugar
6 1/4 cups flour
vegetable cooking spray -- for spraying pan
cornmeal -- for dusting pan
EGG WASH
1 egg white
2 tablespoons water




Recipe

The following is one of the best and easiest recipes I have ever
come across for French bread. I use it as a basic recipe, embellish
it, and create many different loaves now. As you will see, it is low in
fat and sodium and absolutely wonderful. Pam
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl combine shortening, sugar and salt. Pour two cups
boiling water over and mix; cool to lukewarm. Dissolve 2 packages
yeast in 1/2 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Add to cooled
liquid; stir in 6 1/4 cups flour all at once. It will appear as though
there is too much flour at the start of the stirring process. Do not be
alarmed. Just continue with your stirring process until flour is mixed.
Cover; allow to stand 10 minutes. Stir again; cover; allow to stand
10 minutes. Continue this for 1 hour total time. Divide dough in half.
On floured surface, roll into a rectangle; roll up like a jelly roll.
Place on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray and dusted with
cornmeal. Cut slashes in top. Brush each with a mixture made of
one egg white and e tablespoons water. Cover and allow to rise until
doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or
until top test is done. After 15 minutes in the oven brush once more
with the egg white mixture.
VARIATIONS
1) WHEAT BREAD
Change white sugar to brown, and make it 1/3 cup instead of 1/4
cup. Reduce flour to 4 1/4 cups; add 2 cups whole wheat flour.
2) RYE BREAD
Change sugar to brown (1/4 cup). Reduce flour to 4 1/4 cups, add
2 cups rye flour and 2 tablespoons caraway seeds.
3) CHEESE BREAD
Add 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or any other cheese you like.
4) HERB & ONION
Add 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning and 1/4 cup minced dried
onions. Vary to your liking with dill, rosemary, etc.