French Bread

1. in small bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water. Let stand until yeast is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
2. In mixer bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt and oil. Let stand to lukewarm.
3. Add dissolved yeast and 1 1/2 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth. Add remaining flour to make soft dough that can be stirred down with a spoon.
4. Place in greased bowl and cover with clean kitchen cloth. With spoon, stir down every 15 minutes for a total of three times.
5. Turn out onto floured board. Knead only enough to lightly coat with flour. Grease 2 cookie sheets.
6. Divide dough in half. Roll each into a rectangle. On long side, roll (jelly roll style) into a loaf, pinching seam with wet fingers to seal. Place each loaf, seam side down, in center of cookie sheet.
7. Beat egg white until foamy. With pastry brush, apply to loaves. Slash each loaf three times diagonally with a serrated knife. Do not cover. Let rise 1/2 hour.
8. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake, one loaf at a time, 12 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.

1. Prepare French Bread dough through Step #4. Divide in half and roll each half into rectangle 1/2" thick on a lightly floured board.
2. With pizza cutter, cut into ¾" strips.
3. Dip each strip in melted butter and, holding both ends, turn in opposite directions several times to make a twisted rope.
4. Place on ungreased baking sheets, 2" apart.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt or favorite topping. Let rise 1/2 hour. Preheat oven 400 degrees.
6. Bake approximately 8 minutes or until lightly browned.