Ingredients

• 2.5 tsp - active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup - warm water
• 1/2 tsp - sugar (this feeds the yeast and helps it grow faster)
• 3.5 cups - bread flour (can use all-purpose)
• 1 cup - water
• 1.50 tsp - salt

How to Make French Bread (easy recipe)

• Mix the yeast, sugar and the water in a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer and let stand five minutes until the yeast flowers or begins to froth.
• Add to the bowl, bread flour, water and salt. Mix well and then knead by hand or on low speed five minutes until you have a slightly sticky dough.
• Place in an oiled bowl, turn once to coat, and let it rise, covered, at room temperature 2 hours.
• Punch down the dough and divide into two. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour to make it easier to work with.
• Using the palms of your hand, roll each half into a long rope, about 10-12 inches in length.
• Lightly grease a large baking sheet and scatter 1-2 tsp of cornmeal on it (to keep the bread from sticking)
• Place the two ropes side by side, with at least 5 inches between them, on the sheet.
• Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise at room temperature for 1.5 hours.
• Sprinkle some flour on the top of the loaves (this is decorative and therefore optional). With a very sharp blade, make 4-5 diagonal gashes along the length of each loaf.
• About half an hour before the loaves are fully risen, preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place a baking stone (or unglazed ceramic tiles) on a rack in the middle of the oven.
• Just before you place the bread in the pan, spray the inside of the oven with water.
• Place the baking sheet on the baking stone or tiles. Close the oven. Spray the sides of the oven again with water five minutes later. (The water ensures a crusty loaf)
• Bake for a total of 25 minutes or until the loaves are golden-brown.
• Cool on a rack before cutting.
• Recipe courtesy: Holy Cow Vegan