Easy Soft French Bread

gnet's Note:

My aunt has been making this bread forever. This is easy to make and requires ingredients that are often on hand. It is incredibly delicious!!!

• Total Time: 3 hrs
• Prep Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 20

• 3 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 8 cups flour

Directions:

1. Add sugar, warm water, then yeast into mixing bowl. Let yeast prove.
2. Add rest of ingredients, kneading while adding flour one or two cups at a time.
3. Knead for 5 minutes.
4. Let the dough rise for 1 hour, until doubled.
5. Knead the dough down.
6. Split into two sections.
7. Using rolling pin, one at a time flatten each section into a large rectangle (about 17”x 9”).
8. Roll the dough up to make a long loaf. Pinch the seam closed and turn the ends under.
9. Place the two loaves on separate large cookie sheets, seams down (I lay it diagonally), cover with a light dishtowel, and let rise another hour.
10. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.