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French Bread — Marion
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 1/4 c. warm water
1 1/2 t. salt
1 T. shortening
3 1/2 -4 c. flour or unbleached flour
1 T. cornmeal
Cold water
1 egg white
2 T. cold water
Dissolve yeast in warm water in large mixing bowl. Stir in salt, shortening and 1/2 c. of the flour. beat with spoon until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl; turn greased side up. Cover with damp cloth; let rise in warm place until double, 1 1/2-2 hours.
Punch down dough; round up and let rise until almost double about 45 minutes. Punch down; cover and let rest 15 minutes. Lightly grease cookie sheet; sprinkle with cornmeal. Roll dough into rectangle, 15×10 inches. Roll up tightly, beginning at one of the long sides. Pinch edge to seal, roll gently back and forth to taper ends. Place loaf on baking sheet. Make 1/4″ slashes across log at 2″ intervals or make one slash lengthwise. Brush top of loaf with cold water. Let rise uncovered about 1 1/2 hours. Brush with cold water. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Bake 20 minutes. Beat egg white and 2 T. water slightly; brush over loaf. Bake 25 minutes longer. Remove from cookie sheet; cool on wire rack.