Crispy French Bread.

This recipe comes from one of my dearest friends, Cindy.  Years ago, when I began experimenting with bread, she passed along this recipe and it is what really helped me learn the in's and out's of bread making.  It is a simple, yet delicious recipe that I never tire of.  It is perfect to serve with anything from pasta to soup, and is always a crowd pleaser.  Thanks so much, Cindy!!

Crispy French Bread

{recipe from Cindy P.}

3 cups warm water

2 Tbsp sugar

2 Tbsp melted butter

2 Tbsp yeast

3 tsp salt

7- 8 1/2 cups flour *

Mix water, sugar, butter, yeast and salt.  When yeast bubbles, add 3 of 7 cups of flour.  Mix well.  Add 2 more cups of flour and mix well.  Add final amount of flour and mix well until all flour is cleaned from the sides of the bowl.  Knead for 7-10 minutes.  Set in greased bowl under a towel for 1 hour.

Cut into 2 pieces and roll each into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick and roll up lengthwise.  Place loaves onto greased cookie sheet and let rise in a warm place for 15-20 minutes.  Bake 25-30 minutes @ 375 degrees.  Throw 2 ice cubes in the bottom of the oven for the last 10 minutes of baking time.

::  kitchen notes  ::

* start with 7 cups of flour and add 1/2 cup additional flour at a time until dough is no longer sticky and all pulled from sides of bowl

P.S.

this bread makes excellent french toast!