French Bread

 

Ingredients:

2 1⁄2 cups hot water

2 tablespoons shortening

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons instant yeast

6 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Place hot water in large bowl.

2. Add the shortening, salt and sugar.

3. Stir and let stand until lukewarm.

4. Sprinkle yeast over all.

5. Beat until smooth.

6. Add 3 cups flour and beat until mixed.

7. Work in 2 cups flour with a wooden spoon.

8. Gradually knead the last 1-1/2 cups flour in until no longer sticky-about 3 minutes.

9. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

10. Punch down and place on floured board.

11. Roll out to a rectangle.

12. Cut lengthwise in half.

13. With each strip, roll up lengthwise and pinch seams. 14. Roll gently back and forth with hands to

desired length and to smooth loaf out.

15. Lightly grease cookie sheet or use French loaf bread pans.

16. Cover and let rise for 25 minutes.

17. Cut diagonal slashes across bread about 1/4" deep. 18. Preheat oven, pour boiling water on large

cookie sheet to fill.