Super Yummy French Bread

Ingredients

Directions

1. 1

   Pour yeast, 1 tablespoon (first tablespoon) sugar, and the lukewarm water in a bowl. Let sit

2. 2

   In the meantime mix melted shortening, remaining two tablespoons sugar, all of the salt, the scalded milk, and two cups of the flour. Mix until smooth.

3. 3

   Add the yeast mixture.

4. 4

   Alternately add the rest of the flour (including semolina) and hot water.

5. 5

   Knead on a floured surface for about five minutes ( I did mine for about 10 or until my arm fell off since I am a slow kneader- you should be able to tell by how well your bread stretches).

6. 6

   Put in a BUTTERED bowl and let rise in a warm place until double in size (Mine rose for 50 minutes in an oven on the warm setting).

7. 7

   Punch down in order to shape into three loaves and brush with beaten egg.

8. 8

   Let loaves rise on BUTTERED baking sheets until double in size.

9. 9

   Optional- slit with scissors at 45 degrees and brush again with egg before baking.

10. 10

    Bake at 375 for about 40 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.