Ahhh-mazing French Bread

I made this for our dinner tonight....so good. I have never before attempted french bread and this was so easy and crusty and delish! Darn those carbs...I'm addicted.

2 1/4 C. Warm water
2 T. Sugar
1 T. Yeast
1 T. Salt
2 T. Oil
5 1/2 - 6 C. Flour

Mix the water yeast and sugar in a mixing bowl and let proof for a few minutes. Then add salt oil and 3 cups of the flour and mix. Add in 2 1/2 - 3 more cups of flour a little at a time you want the dough to just clean the sides of the bowl and not be to sticky. Let it knead for a few minutes in your mixer.

Leave the dough in the mixer and cover with a towel and let rest 10 minutes then mix for 10 seconds. Repeat this process a total of 5 times. Then turn dough onto a floured surface and divide in half. Roll one half out into a 9x13 shape and roll up from long side pinching dough together to seal. Place loaf seam side down on a baking sheet this is lightly greased then sprinkled with a good amount of cornmeal, allowing space for the other loaf. Repeat with other half of dough. With a sharp knife make 4 cuts along the top of each loaf and let rise for 30 minutes. Before putting in to bake mix 1C. very warm water with 1T. baking soda and brush over all sides of the bread. Bake 25-30 minutes on 375.

This is from the sisters cafe blog.