French Bread

Makes 2 large loaves

2 ½ cups warm water

2 T. sugar

2 T. yeast

1 T. salt

2 T. oil

6 cups flour

In bowl, combine water, sugar and yeast.  Let stand about 5 minutes or until bubbly. 

Stir in salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour.  Put 3 more cups of flour into the bread maker and add mixture from the bowl. 

Mix in bread maker until it is all mixed very well.  Let stand 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, turn bread maker back on for 30 – 60 seconds. Let stand 10 minutes.  Repeat this process 5 times. 

Place dough on a lightly floured board or counter – divide in half.  Form into loaves.

Arrange both loaves lengthwise on a large sprayed cookie sheet.  Cover and let rise 30 – 45 minutes or until desired size is achieved.

Bake at 375 for 25 – 30 minutes.  Remove to a rack.  Covering with a towel will keep the crust softer.  Serve warm

Note:  This recipe can also be mixed in a Mix Master.