Easiest And Best French Bread

Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• 1.5 (1/3 ounce) packages fast rise yeast
• 2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg , for egg wash
• 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal

Recipe

• 1 in a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water and let sit for 5 minutes. then mix salt,sugar and flour with the yeast.
• 2 knead till smooth and elastic on floured board for 5 minutes.
• 3 grease bowl and place dough in bowl and turn to coat. cover with saran. let rise 1 1/4 hours.
• 4 remove ,pound down and shape into 2 loaves.
• 5 place loaves in a pan coated with cornmeal. slash tops of loaves,brush with egg wash. add toasted sesame seeds at this time.
• 6 place in cold oven, turn to 400 degrees. bake 30-40 minutes or til dark golden brown.