Ingredients

1 packet yeast

2 c lukewarm water

1.5 T salt

1 T sugar

6-7 c sifted flour

Preparation

  1. Dissolve the yeast in the H2O and add salt, sugar, and stir thoroughly.

  2. Add enough flour 1c at a time, beating with wooden spoon, to make a fairly stiff dough.

  3. When dough is fully mixed, shape into a ball and place in a greased bowl and grease the top. Cover with a towel and let stand in a warm place until doubled.

  4. Turn the dough out onto a highly floured board and shape into 2 long French style loaves or round Italian loaves. Arrange on a baking sheet heavily sprinkled with cornmeal and allow to rise 5 min.

  5. Slash the tops of the loaves in 2 or 3 places with a knife or scissors. brush the loaves with water and place in a cold oven. Set control to 400F and place a pan of boiling water at bottom of the oven.

  6. Bake loaves until they are crusty and done, 40-45 min.