French Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Mix warm water, yeast, salt and sugar.
2. 2
   Let stand 5 to 6 minutes.
3. 3
   Add 5 cups flour and beat well.
4. 4
   Add remaining flour until you can handle the dough without it being sticky.
5. 5
   Knead for 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Put in bowl and let stand dough rise until double in size.
7. 7
   Remove from bowl and cut into four sections.
8. 8
   Shape into narrow loaves (2 loaves to a cookie sheet) or into round mounds. Beat egg whites and water.
9. 9
   Brush top of loaves and let stand for 1 hour.
10. 10
    Makes three slits on top of each loaf.
11. 11
    Bake at 450° for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350° and bake for 30 minutes. Brush once during cooking process with the egg white mixture.