Real French Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water.
2. 2
   While yeast softens, sift flour, sugar and salt in large bowl.
3. 3
   Stir in dissolved yeast. Add enough of second cup of water to hold dough together.
4. 4
   Mix well until you have a sticky dough.
5. 5
   Let rise until double in bulk.
6. 6
   Punch down and knead.
7. 7
   Give it a good beating.
8. 8
   Divide into equal parts.
9. 9
   Place in a greased baking dish or loaf pan.
10. 10
    Cover and let rise again.
11. 11
    Bake at 400°.
12. 12
    For a harder crust, brush top with egg whites.