French Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 to 8 c. bread flour
1 pkg. yeast
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. salt
3 1/2 c. water

Preparation

In large bowl, dissolve yeast, sugar and salt in warm water (115\u00b0).
Add 6 cups flour and stir until well mixed.
Turn mixture out onto well floured counter top and work in flour as dough is kneaded.
Knead for 10 minutes until mixture is smooth and elastic and no longer sticky.
(Add flour a 1/2 cup at a time).
Place in greased bowl to rise until double in bulk.
Cover with damp towel while rising.
Divide dough in four equal portions and place in French bread pans.
Let rise until double in bulk again.
Cook in 375\u00b0 oven for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 325\u00b0 and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until brown and crusty.
Loaves should sound hollow when tapped.