Crusty French Bread

1. 1

   In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup water. Add the sugar, salt, shortening, remaining water and 3-1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Do not knead. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.

2. 2

   Turn onto a floured surface. Divide in half; let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each half into a 10x8-in. rectangle. Roll up from a long side; pinch to seal. Place seam side down on greased

3. 3

   sprinkled with cornmeal. Sprinkle the tops with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.

4. 4

   With a very sharp knife, make 5 diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf. Bake at 400u00b0 for 20-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire rack to cool.

No nutritional information available.

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