Easy French Bread

This recipe came from a cousin of mine. Last year I made it for some friends and it has since become one my most requested recipes for parties or get-togethers. I love to make it and wrap it in celophane with a ribbon and give it away to the ladies I visit teach because you can easily get 2 big or 3 smaller loaves from one batch of dough. It's also great to accompany any soup dish or with butter, jam, or honey for breakfast.

Easy French Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tbsp. yeast
• 3 cups hot water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Method:

• Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl (I use a Kitchenaid so I just dump all the ingredients in my mixer and let it do all the work).
• Add water and oil.
• Add 2 tablespoons yeast.
• Let dough rise uncovered for 15 minutes.
• Add 7 cups flour and let mixer run on low for 6 minutes.
• Form the dough into 2 big or 3 small loaves on greased cookie sheets. (Dough will be sticky so put some flour on your hands and form the loaves into oval shapes).
• Cover with a towel and let rise until double in size, about 2 hours.
• Make 3 diagonal slits with a knife into center of each loaf to avoid air bubbling on top of the loaf. (and it also looks pretty).
• Bake at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes.
• Let it cool on racks, slice, and serve.