Laura's french bread recipe

French Bread

2 pkgs of dry yeast (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 c. water
2 c. hot water
3 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
5 tablespoon oil
6-8c. flour

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 c. water and let stand 10 minutes.

In large bowl combine 2 cup hot water, sugar, salt, oil and half of the flour. Mix well and add yeast and the rest of the flour (I start with 6 cups but always have to add more to get the correct consistency). Knead well. Let rise until double--about an hour.

Punch down and divide into two large parts or three smaller parts. Roll each into a 9x13 inch rectangle. Starting at a corner, roll into a loaf. Seal edges and put seam side down on a greased cookies sheet.

Let rise about 30 minutes and bake 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees.

Look!! You did it!! You made awesome homemade bread!! (Now send Laura an email and thank her for giving you your self-esteem back).