Title: Best ever french bread
 Categories: A1, Breads, Favorites, French
      Yield: 1 Servings
 
      2 tb Shortening
    1/4 c  Sugar
      1 ts Salt
      2 c  Boiling water
      2 pk Yeast; DISSOLVED IN
    1/2 c  Warm water
      1 ts Sugar
  6 1/4 c  Flour
           Vegetable cooking spray; for
           -spraying pan
           Cornmeal; for dusting pan

MMMMM--------------------------EGG WASH-------------------------------
      1    Egg white
      2 tb Water
 
  The following is one of the best and easiest recipes I have ever come
  across for French bread. I use it as a basic recipe, embellish it, and
  create many different loaves now. As you will see, it is low in fat
  and sodium and absolutely wonderful. Pam
  
  DIRECTIONS In a large bowl combine shortening, sugar and salt. Pour
  two cups boiling water over and mix; cool to lukewarm. Dissolve 2
  packages yeast in 1/2 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Add to
  cooled liquid; stir in 6 1/4 cups flour all at once. It will appear
  as though there is too much flour at the start of the stirring
  process. Do not be alarmed. Just continue with your stirring process
  until flour is mixed. Cover; allow to stand 10 minutes. Stir again;
  cover; allow to stand 10 minutes. Continue this for 1 hour total
  time. Divide dough in half. On floured surface, roll into a
  rectangle; roll up like a jelly roll. Place on baking sheet sprayed
  with cooking spray and dusted with cornmeal. Cut slashes in top.
  Brush each with a mixture made of one egg white and e tablespoons
  water. Cover and allow to rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake
  at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until top test is done. After 15
  minutes in the oven brush once more with the egg white mixture.
  
  VARIATIONS
  
  1) WHEAT BREAD Change white sugar to brown, and make it 1/3 cup
  instead of 1/4 cup. Reduce flour to 4 1/4 cups; add 2 cups whole
  wheat flour.
  
  2) RYE BREAD Change sugar to brown (1/4 cup). Reduce flour to 4 1/4
  cups, add 2 cups rye flour and 2 tablespoons caraway seeds.
  
  3) CHEESE BREAD Add 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or any other cheese
  you like.
  
  4) HERB & ONION Add 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning and 1/4 cup minced
  dried onions. Vary to your liking with dill, rosemary, etc.
  
  Recipe