F is for French Bread

This is a super easy french bread recipe from my Mom's cookbook - Phyllis' Favorites. And yummy!

5 1/2 - 6 1/2 c. flour

2 Tbls. Yeast

1 T. Sugar

1 T. Salt

2 T. Olive Oil (evoo)

2 1/2 c. hot water

Combine 2 c. flour, yeast sugar and salt in a bowl (I use my Bosche). Add evoo and water. Beat 2 min. Add 1 more cup flour. Beat for 1 more minute. Gradually add the rest of the flour to make soft dough. Turn on to a floured board. Roll into a ball and cover with loosely with plastic wrap and a towel for 20 min. or until doubled. Divide into two portions. Roll each into a French Bread shape (about 8" x 15) and place side by side on a jelly roll pan. Brush with some more evoo and let raise again for about 10 - 15 minutes. Bake @ 400 for about 20 minutes (ovens may vary). Take out of oven and place on a cooling rack.

For wrapping ~ When cooled some, wrap with white parchment paper and tape on underside. Then cut some kraft colored wrapping paper to be a bit longer (width wise) than the parchment. Fold the ends about 2" in to have a clean edge on both sides and so that some of the white parchment shows. Wrap around the bread and double stick tape on the under side. Tie your favorite ribbon around and add a cute tag.