Soft French Bread

Dissolve 2 Tbs yeast in 1/2 cup warm water and 1 tsp sugar. In a large bowl combine 2 cups hot water, 3 Tbs sugar, 1 Tbs Salt and 1/2 cup oil. Add 3 cups flour. Beat well. Add yeast mixture. Stir well. Add 2 1/2 cups flour. Stir with wooden spoon until well blended. Cover with saran wrap. Let raise 10 minutes. Stir down. Repeat 5 more times. (Do not stir down dough last time before rolling out). Flour cupboard, top of dough and hands. (I split dough into 4 equal parts for smaller loaves). Roll into rectangle. Roll up like jelly roll. Place on greased pan seam side down. Let rise 30 minutes. Bake 400 F for 15-20 minutes.

Variation: brush with beaten egg white mixed with 1 tsp water and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Slash with scissors to give it a fancy look.