Fabulous French Bread

2 1/2 cups very warm water - 0
2 Tbsp sugar - 2
1 Tbsp salt - 0
2 Tbsp oil - 6
6 cups flour, stirred and measured - 54
2 Tbsp yeast - 0

In large bowl, pour water, sugar, salt, oil, half of the flour, and yeast. Beat vigorously 2-3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour until completely mixed in, leaving spoon in heavy batter.

Let dough rest 10 minutes, then stir down. Repeat this step until dough has been stirred down five times.

Turn onto floured board. Knead only enough to coat so it can be handled. Divide in half and roll each into 9 x 12 inches. Roll up from long side. Pinch edge to seal. Arrange lengthwise on a cookie sheet. Cover lightly and let rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Cut 3 gashes at an angle on top then brush with slightly beaten egg. Bake immediately at 400 degrees 25-30 minutes until brown. Cool on racks.

*62 points for two LARGE loaves. As an example... with each loaf cut into 12 slices (more than an inch each) it is 2.5 slices per piece.

Baked in 1.5 lb loaf pans, cut into 15 slices each, sandwich thickness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice
Servings per recipe: 30

Amount per Serving

Calories: 102
Calories from Fat: 10.5

Total Fat: 1.17g
Saturated Fat: 0.17g
Cholesterol: 0.00mg
Sodium: 295.60mg
Total Carbohydrate: 19.88g
Dietary Fiber: 0.68g
Sugars: 0.86g
Protein: 2.58g