Super Yummy French Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Pour yeast, 1 tablespoon (first tablespoon) sugar, and the lukewarm water in a bowl.
2. 2
   Let sit
3. 3
   In the meantime mix melted shortening, remaining two tablespoons sugar, all of the salt, the scalded milk, and two cups of the flour.
4. 4
   Mix until smooth.
5. 5
   Add the yeast mixture.
6. 6
   Alternately add the rest of the flour (including semolina) and hot water.
7. 7
   Knead on a floured surface for about five minutes ( I did mine for about 10 or until my arm fell off since I am a slow kneader- you should be able to tell by how well your bread stretches).
8. 8
   Put in a BUTTERED bowl and let rise in a warm place until double in size (Mine rose for 50 minutes in an oven on the warm setting).
9. 9
   Punch down in order to shape into three loaves and brush with beaten egg.
10. 10
    Let loaves rise on BUTTERED baking sheets until double in size.
11. 11
    Optional- slit with scissors at 45 degrees and brush again with egg before baking.
12. 12
    Bake at 375 for about 40 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.