French Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Soften active dry yeast in 1/4 cup warm water.
2. 2
   To remaining water, add sugar, shortening and salt.
3. 3
   Add 1 cup flour; beat well.
4. 4
   Add yeast mixture and egg whites; mix.
5. 5
   Add remaining flour to make soft dough.
6. 6
   Knead until smooth and satiny.
7. 7
   Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease surface.
8. 8
   Cover and let rise until double in bulk.
9. 9
   Punch down.
10. 10
    When again doubled, divide in half.
11. 11
    Shape into loaves.
12. 12
    Let sit 10 minutes.
13. 13
    Place on greased cookie sheet sprinkled with white corn meal.
14. 14
    Cover; let double. Brush with egg yolk diluted with water.
15. 15
    Bake in hot (400°) oven for 30 minutes.
16. 16
    Place large flat pan of boiling water on floor of oven to give crustiness.