French Bread

Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup warm water

Sift the flour

Mix the salt and 2 cups of warm water

Add 2 cups of flour and mix well

Add the dissolved yeast and mix well

Add enough flour to obtain a dough-like consistency

Place on a lightly floured surface, cover, and let rest for about 10 minutes

Knead, adding more flour as needed until the dough has good consistency and elasticity

Place in a lightly oiled bowl

Turn the dough over so it's well-coated with oil on top

Cover and let rise for 1 1/2 hours

Punch down the dough with your hand, giving it a firm punch

Place on a lightly floured surface, divide into two parts

Cover and let rest for about 10 minutes

Open each part into a large rectangle

Roll up like a rosette, fairly firm

Close the ends well

Place in a greased and floured baking dish

With a sharp knife, make several diagonal cuts on the bread

Beat an egg lightly

Add 1 tablespoon of water

Brush this mixture over the bread and sides

Cover with a damp cloth but not touching the bread

Place some cups upside down in the baking dish and place the cloth on top

Let rise for 1 1/2 hours

Bake in a hot oven for about 20 minutes, or until lightly browned

Brush again with the egg mixture and bake for an additional 20 minutes