French Bread

This is a scanned recipe from my  "Better Homes and Gardens" cookbook.  It is similar to the FoodNanny's recipe.  But has no sugar and less salt.  You do have to let it raise twice, and takes a bit longer to make but I personally like the flavor and crust better.

When I make bread to give away for Christmas this is the recipe I use.  But right before baking I brush the loaf with Italian Salad Dressing and sprinkle with about 2 TBS of Parmesan cheese.  It is so popular that sometimes my neighbors ask me to make their bread for parties.  My gift is to make the bread and put it on their cookie sheet.  Then, I deliver the unbaked loaf before the party.  They bake it in their own oven and I don't have to get my pans back. Win, win all around.  -KJ