French Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl.
2. 2
   Add salt and sugar.
3. 3
   Stir in flour.
4. 4
   Add enough flour to make dough thick enough to knead.
5. 5
   Turn on floured board and knead 5 to 7 minutes.
6. 6
   Place in greased bowl, turning to grease.
7. 7
   Cover; let rise in warm place until double (about 1 to 1 1/2 hours).
8. 8
   Punch down.
9. 9
   Divide into 2 balls.
10. 10
    Let rest on lightly floured board, covered, 5 minutes. Grease hands and cookie sheets.
11. 11
    Shape into 2 long French loaves. Make diagonal slits in top with razor blade or sharp knife.
12. 12
    Cover; let rise until double (1 1/2 hours).
13. 13
    Bake in moderate oven.
14. 14
    When lightly browned, remove from oven.
15. 15
    Smooth over tops and sides of loaves, 1 slightly beaten egg white.
16. 16
    Return to oven for 2 minutes.