Fabulous French Bread

2 T. dry yeast
1/2 C. warm water
2 C. hot water
3 T. sugar
1 T. salt
5 T. vegetable oil
6+ C. flour
1 egg white and sesame seeds (optional)

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand for 10 minutes. In a large bowl combine hot water, sugar, salt, oil and about half of the flour; beat well. Stir in dissolved yeast. Stir in remaining flour. Mix well. Leave spoon in dough and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Dough will be stiff. Stir vigorously (about 3 minutes.) Allow to rest again for 10 minutes and stir with spoon. Repeat 3 more times. Turn out onto floured surface. Knead once or twice until lightly coated with flour. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 9 x 12 rectangle. Starting at long edge, roll loosely like a jelly roll. Seal edge. Place seam-side down, on one large baking sheet. If desired, gash top of each loaf diagonally 3 times with a sharp knife. Brush with beaten egg white. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let rise 30 minutes. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes until golden brown. Makes 2 loaves.

Note: This ia an old recipe that is written to make by hand. I make it in my large mixer and follow the same instructions. It does need a little more flour in the mixer. I run the machine for a few seconds every 10 minutes as directed. This is the best and easiest french bread recipe!
(Danae)