Stress Relieving French Bread

The original recipe, which I modified only slightly, came from a website called Cookingbread.com.  That website has changed - it is now http://www.thekneadforbread.com/

This bread is super easy, difficult to over or under knead and is good for a day that you just want to work off some frustration.

**for a crustier bread, brush with egg whites and, if desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds.

  1/2 Cup Warm Water                                                               3 Tbl Sugar

  4.5 Tsp Yeast                                                                           1 Tbl Salt

  2 Cups Hot Water                                                                    6 Cups Bread Flour

  5 Tbl Oil                                                                                 

Proof the yeast in 1/2 cup warm water, set aside.

Mix together hot water, oil, sugar, salt and half the flour.  Mix well.  Stir in yeast then remaining flour.  Mix well.  Allow to sit for 15 minutes.  Punch down, allow to rest for 15 minutes again.  Repeat 3 more times.  Divide dough in half, return one half to the bowl and put the other half on a lightly floured surface.  Knead lightly until coated with flour.  Roll into a 9 x 13 rectangle.  Starting on a long side, roll jelly roll style.  Seal the edges and turn under the ends.  Place seam side down on a jelly roll pan.  Repeat with other half.  I put it on the same jelly roll pan.  slash the top of each loaf several times**.  Cover with a cloth and let rise for 30 minutes.  Bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes.