FRENCH BREAD
Fix-it And Enjoy-it Cookbook
by Phyllis Pellman Good
Makes: 3 loaves
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Standing/Rising Time: 60-75 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 pkgs. dry yeast
• 3/4 Tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 cup warm (120-130°) water
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 Tbsp. shortening
• 2 Tbsp.sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• 6-6 1/2 cups flour
• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp. sesame seeds
Directions
1. Dissolve 2 pkgs. yeast and 3/4 Tbsp. sugar in 1/2 cup warm water. Set aside.
2. In large mixing bowl, mix together boiling water, shortening, 2 Tbsp. sugar, and salt. Stir and let cool.
3. When cooled to room temperature, add yeast mixture. Add as much flour as you can by hand, mixing well. Let stand 10 minutes.
4. Place dough on floured surface and knead in remaining flour. Cover dough on floured surface and allow to stand for 10 minutes.
5. Knead again for 5 minutes, until dough becomes smooth and elastic. Repeat standing/kneading 3 more times.
6. After the final kneading, cut the dough into 3 pieces. Roll out each piece and then roll each one up into a long roll. Shape each into a long French-bread-shaped loaf. Place on 1 or 2 greased cookie sheets, with at least 4 inches between the loaves.
7. Cover and let rise 10-15 minutes. Cut diagonal marks 1/4" deep, spaced every 2 inches across the top of each loaf.
8. Brush tops with egg white and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
9. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Martha Ann Auker, Landisburg, PA; Joan Miller, Wayland, IA
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