Perfect French Bread

1. 1

   Combine the water, milk, yeast, salt, sugar, and shortening. Stir and let sit 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Add 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Using a mixer with dough hook, add remaining 5 cups flour and knead to make a stiff dough. Up to 1 additional cup of flour may be added to this recipe to make a stiff dough. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.

3. 3

   Knead down and let rise at room temperature until double again.

4. 4

   Prepare 2 baking sheets by lightly greasing with cooking spray or shortening.

5. 5

   Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Pat each into a flat rectangle and roll up jelly roll style. Pinch ends together and tuck under loaf. Place 2 loaves on each baking sheet. Cut 3 shallow diagonal slashes in the top of each loaf. Cover with a tea towel and let rise until light, about 2 hours.

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 380u00b0F and bake 25-35 minutes until dark brown on top.

7. 7

   Note: This recipe can be prepared using only water, substituting 2 more cups for the milk, or with only milk, substituting 2 more cups scalded milk for the water.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

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