I did it! I made homemade french bread.

I used a recipe I found on this blog: Craftiness is not optional.

50 min

20 min prep

2 loaves
2 cups warm water

• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
•  1 tablespoon sugar
• 5-5 1/2 cups bread flour

1.Dissolve yeast in warm water (110 degrees) and sugar in large bowl; allow yeast to proof or foam (about 10 minutes).

2.Add salt, oil, and 3 cups flour; beat for 2 minutes.

3.Stir in 2 cups flour to make a stiff dough.

4.Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

5.Place in oiled bowl, turn dough to coat all sides, cover and let rise until doubled.

6.Punch down and divide in half.

7.Shape dough into two long slender loaves.

8.Grease and sprinkle with cornmeal either a french bread pan or large cookie sheet.

9.Place loaves in pan and cut diagonal gashes on top of each loaf (I use scissors).

10.Cover and let rise until doubled.

11.Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.

12.Note: You can sprinkle or spray water on the loaves during baking if you want a really crunchy crust.

Seriously yummy bread. It also works with wheat flour, as I found out, because I ran out of white. But if using wheat flour, give it a little more time to rise.
Also, you don't need a bread mixer for this recipe. I used a whisk and my hands, and it came out great.
I doubt we will ever buy another loaf from the grocery store.

XOXO,
Holly & Co.