French Bread

3 cups very warm water
2 Tablespoons yeast
4 Tablespoons sugar

Mix together and let set for at 3-5 minutes

Add
1 Tablespoon salt
2 Tablespoons cooking oil
7 ½ - 8 Cups flour

Mix all ingredients. Knead together for one minute. Dough will be stiff. Cover and let rise for 1 hour punching the dough down every 15 minutes. Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a long strips and roll into French bread form. Place bread on greased cookie sheet. Cut 3 slits on top of each loaf. Cover with towel and rise until double in size, about 30 minutes. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes. Brush hot bread with melted butter.

Optional – add ¼ cup Italian seasoning to dough mixture.

Serve with oil and balsamic vinegar.