Lean French Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve yeast in water.
2. 2
   Add salt and 4 1/2 cups flour, stirring well.
3. 3
   Add flour to form a heavy mass.
4. 4
   Turn onto floured surface.
5. 5
   Knead in remainder of flour until dough is smooth, satiny and elastic.
6. 6
   Place dough in lightly oiled bowl.
7. 7
   Turn to cover all surfaces.
8. 8
   Cover; let rise to double (2 to 3 hours).
9. 9
   Combine cornstarch and boiling water.
10. 10
    Cool.
11. 11
    Punch down dough and turn onto work surface.
12. 12
    Divide dough into 4. Roll each 12 to 13-inches and 1-inch in diameter.
13. 13
    Place on connmealed baking sheet or lightly greased French bread forms.
14. 14
    Slash dough diagonally 3 times.
15. 15
    Cover, rise until almost double.
16. 16
    Brush with cornstarch mixture.
17. 17
    Put loaves in preheated 425° oven.
18. 18
    Brush with cornstarch mixture 2 to 3 times during first 10 to 15 minutes.
19. 19
    Bake 35 to 40 minutes until sounds hollow.