French Bread From the Kitchen of The Good Cook Breads, 2008-01-02 Excellent soft crusted french bread for any side.

Prep Time:  3 hours Cook Time:  18 minutes Categories:  French  Bread  Veggie Yields:  2 loves

Directions

1. Mix 7 c flour with yeast and salt into large bowl. Form a well in the center and add water. With a wooden spoon, slowly pull the flour into the liquid until it is fully absorbed. Work the dough into a ball by hand and put it on a lightly floured work surface for 10 minutes.
2. Wash the large bowl, grease it and place the dough in it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and set in warm place for 2 hours (to double in size).
3. Punch down the dough and re-cover the bowl and let the dough double again (1.5 hours).
4. Work the dough on a floured surface and shape ont the baking pans. Let loaves double again (30 minutes). Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
5. Place the baking pan in the oven for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, pick a loaf and rap on the bottom crust with your forefinger. If you get a hard hallow sound, then the bread is done.