French Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Measure these into a large mixing bowl.
2. 2
   Make a hole in the center of flour mixture and pour liquid mixture.
3. 3
   Stir thoroughly, but do not knead.
4. 4
   The dough will be soft.
5. 5
   Cover with a damp cloth and set in a warm place to rise, allowing about 2 hours.(Put cold oven on for 1 minute then cut off and let dough rise in there.) Punch down the dough.
6. 6
   Place on a floured board and pat into two equal oblongs.
7. 7
   Form each into a French loaf by rolling the dough away from you.
8. 8
   Continue rolling, pressing outward with the hands and tapering the dough toward the ends until a long, thin form results.
9. 9
   Place the 2 loaves on a greased baking sheet.
10. 10
    Cut diagonal 1/4-inch deep slits across the tops with sharp pointed scissors.
11. 11
    Set in a warm place to rise to somewhat less than doubled in bulk.
12. 12
    Preheat oven to 400°.
13. 13
    On bottom of oven, place a pan filled with 1/2-inch boiling water.
14. 14
    Bake 15 minutes then reduce heat to 350° and bake about 30 minutes.
15. 15
    Yeild 2 loaves.