Bread For The French {and all lovers}

I got this recipe from my mom.  Heck, everyone who tries this bread gets this recipe from my mom.  The nice part about this bread is that it is EASY (for bread).  I have made this bread in a Bosch and a Kitchen Aid, and either work great!  If you use your Kitchen Aid, just make sure to put the kneading hook attachment on.  I have never made this without a mixer, so if you try it, let me know how it goes!

French Bread

1 Tablespoon dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 cup vegetable oil (I have tried using olive oil and it just did not turn out...)
2 cups warm water

6 cups flour


In a glass bowl, combine 1/4 cup water, yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.  Gently stir and set aside for the yeast to work its magic.

In your mixer, add remaining ingredient (except flour).  Turn on mixer and add one cup of flour at a time.  Before adding your last cup of flour, add the yeast mixture, and then add the final cup of flour.

Dough should not be super sticky, but it should not be too dry either.

Cover dough and set aside to rise for 45 min-hour.  Cut dough into 2.  Roll out first half of dough on a floured surface.  Roll the dough into a long log, and fold ends under.  To make the dough look super fancy, use a serated knife and cut angled slits (about 1/4' deep) along the top of the dough (usually about 4-5 slits per loaf.  Place log on a greased cookie sheet.  Repeat steps for second half of dough.

Cover both loaves and let raise for about 45 minutes.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Once oven is preheated, cook loaves for about 25-30 minutes, or until loaves are lightly browned.

This bread is best the day it is cooked.  So if you find yourself with leftovers, slice it up and make french toast!  It makes some great french toast!

Party Ideas: 

-Cut loaf in half and load it up with sandwich toppings and serve like a sub sandwich.
-Have a french toast party!!
-Cook up some BBQ beef or BBQ chicken in a crockpot and serve on bread.
-Have a soup tasting party, and add this bread to the meal for some dipping.

There are endless possibilities with this lovely loaf of bread!