French bread to die for! (maybe not quite :)

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups bread flour

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
To the yeast mixture, add the oil, salt, and 2 cups flour. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough has pulled away from the sides of the bowl. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Deflate the dough, and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a 18x4in. loaf. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. After rising, cut 5 diagonal slits on the top of the loaf, brush with water or sprinkle with flour. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Bake for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.


You can also turn these into rolls by dividing the dough into 16 balls (place them 2in. apart on baking sheet) and bake for 18-20min!

Enjoy!
Chef Hannah