French Bread

3 cups warm water
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. yeast
1 Tbsp. salt (I actually use a lot less -- maybe 1/2)
3 Tbsp. oil
7-8 cups flour

Place warm water in mixer or bowl. Add sugar, yeast, oil, and salt. Add 3 cups flour (I usually use 1 or 2 cups whole wheat). Stir until smooth. Add rest of flour. Dough should be soft but not sticky. Let rest 10 minutes. Stir down. Repeat 5 times. Turn on floured board. Divide into 4. Let rest 10 minutes. Shape into loaves and place in french loaf pans or on cookie sheet that has been greased and sprinkled with cornmeal. Slash tops diagonally 3 or 4 times with sharp knife. Can brush with egg white (for a harder crust) and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Let rise until doubled. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.