Simple French Bread

Ingredients:

• 2.5 Cups Warm Water
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Dry Yeast
• 1 Tablespoon Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Oil
• 6 Cups Flour

Step 1:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine water, sugar, and yeast. 
• Let stand for 5 minutes. 
• Stir in salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Stir vigorously. 
• Add remaining 3 cups of flour slowly as needed and mix well. 
• Let rest in bowl 5 minutes. 
• Stir down. 
• Repeat process 2 more times. 

Step 2:

• Place dough onto a floured board. 
• Knead only enough to coat dough with flour so it can be handled. 
• Divide into half or thirds.
• Flatten out into rectangle, roll up from long side. 
• Moisten seam with small amount of water and pinch of salt.

Step 3:

• Arrange loaves lengthwise on a large, well-greased or parchment covered cookie sheet. 
• Place seam side down. 
• Spray top with cooking spray and let rise about 20-25 minutes.

Step 4:

• Use a very sharp knife to gently make 3 diagonal gashes in the top of each loaf (do not deflate the bread).
• Then put into oven.

Optional Step 4A: 

• Place the baking sheet in the hot oven.
• Immediately toss 3-4 ice cubes on the bottom of the oven (this gives a delicious, classic, French bread crispness to the crust). 
• Close the oven door quickly but don't deflate the bread!

Step 5:

• Bake at 375 degrees for 23-25 minutes.
• After removing from the oven, butter tops of bread.
• Cool on racks and cover with a towel (this keeps the crust soft).
• Serve warm.