Crusty French Bread

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water, divided (110 degrees to 115 degrees)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon shortening, melted
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• cornmeal

Recipe

• 1 in mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup water.
• 2 add sugar, salt, shortening and remaining water; stir until dissolved.
• 3 add flour and stir until smooth (do not knead). cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
• 4 turn on to a floured surface. divide in half; let rest for 10 minutes.
• 5 roll each half into 10-inch by 8-inch rectangle. roll up from a long side; pinch to seal.
• 6 place seam side down on greased baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. sprinkle the tops with cornmeal. cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
• 7 with a very sharp knife, make five diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf. bake at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until lightly browned. cool on wire racks.