French Bread

1 pkg. yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 2 1/2 Tablespoons sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 Tablespoon shortening or butter; 4 cups flour

Sprinkle yeast into 1/2 cup warm water and mix. Mix the remaining water with sugar, salt and shortening. Cool. Add yeast mixture, then flour. Stir dough 5 times at 10 minute intervals. Divide dough into two equal balls. Let rest 10 minutes. Shape into two, 10″ x 8″ rectangles, then roll long side tight. Seal edges. Place rolls on greased cookie sheet and slash top with knife. Let rise with towel over bread. Bake at 400° F. for 15 – 20 minutes. Rub butter on the tops of the freshly baked loaves.

This French bread recipe is one of my tried and true blue ribbon favorites! It is so easy to make, inexpensive, and oh, so good! I have also used the dough to make homemade calzones and breadsticks. And if you have any bread left over, it makes great French toast! This is a nice soft French bread. We have also left the sugar out for a sourdough taste. Enjoy!

There is something so comforting about home baked bread ♥