French Bread

This was one of the first recipes I wanted to make when I recieved a Bosch Mixer for Mother's Day this year-holy moly was it A LOT easier with it!  But for those of you who still get a work out by kneading up your own bread by hand, this is a good one to try!  This yummy bread now makes an apperance in our home almost weekly. It's a must try recipe that I oringinally found here.

2 ¼ c. warm water
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp yeast
1 Tbsp salt
2 Tbsp oil
5 ½ -6 cups flour-stirred before measured

Dissolve yeast and sugar in the warm water.  Let it proof (sit for a few minutes until it bubbles up). Add salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour.  Beat well. Add in 2 1/2 to 3 more cups of flour. Your dough should clean off the sides of the bowl.  It shouldn't be too sticky, but be careful not too add too much flour.  Knead for a few minutes.  Leave the dough in the mixer or bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes.  Then stir it down (turn your mixer on for about ten seconds) and then let it rest for another 10 minutes.  Repeat this for a total of 5 times.  Turn dough onto floured surface and divide into 2 equal parts.  Roll each part into a 9x13 rectangle.  Roll the dough up, starting from the long edge of loaf to seal.  Place on baking sheet, with the seam side down, allowing room for both loaves.  Do the same process with the second part of dough.  Using a sharp knife, cut 3 gashes at an agle on top of each loaf.  Cver the loaves tightly and let them rise for about 30 minutes.  Brush entire surface with an egg wash (one egg white beaten slightly with 1 T. of water).  Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.  Cool on racks and enjoy!  We love it right out of the oven!