Martha'S Best Bread Recipe. New Orleans French Bread

1. 1

   in a large bowl combine the butter, salt, sugar, bopiling water and stir occasionally to met the butter. Add the cup of cold water and cool the mixture to a warm temperature

2. 2

   when the temperature is right, sprinkle the yeast over the liquid, let stand for 5 minutes and stir to dissolve

3. 3

   gradually beat in 4 cups of flour and then add in 1 1/2-2 cups more flour to form a stiff dough

4. 4

   turn dough onto floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in well greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with damp cloth

5. 5

   let rise in warm place for 1-1 1/2 hours, till doubled in bulk. Punch down, cover and let rise another 30 minutes until again double in bulk

6. 6

   heat oven to 375 degrees. Turn dough onto floured surface, knead slightly to press out gas bubbles, shape into a 14-16 inch cylinder on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise till doubled in bulk. Cut 1/4 inch deep slashes in top of loaf with sharp knife, brush with glaze of 1 egg white mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water

7. 7

   bake at 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes till golden brow. Serve bread to your grateful family.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.