Quick French Bread
From Jan Neumann.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups flour
5 teaspoons yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup hot water
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/4 cup oil
4 1/2 cups flour
Instructions
- Mix together 2 1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Mix 1 cup hot water with 1 cup milk. Test temperature to be sure it is not too hot for yeast (105-115), then add to dry ingredients. Mix well with a wisk. Add eggs and oil and mix well. Add remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until it won't take any more.
- Knead dough in bowl a few minutes until it is smooth. Cover with a damp towel and allow it to rise until doubled, approximately 1-2 hours.
- When doubled, knead again on table and shape into 2 loaves. Allow loaves to rise again. Then bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.
***To make Cinnamon Raisin Bread
When dough has doubled the first time, roll dough into a rectangle.
Turn over to have rough side up. Spread with butter, add cinnamon
sugar, raisins and nuts, if desired. Roll dough from the short end and
place in bread pan to rise again. You can sprinkle some cinnamon sugar
on top, if desired. Bake as above.