French Bread

This is a great bread recipe my friend Cate gave me. I've made it once before, but it turned out much better this time. I'm not really sure why, but I'll try to remember what I did this time to help any one who wants to make it.

It makes 2 large loaves, so you might want to half it if you don't want a ton of bread sitting around (but honestly, who wouldn't want that?)

Ingredients:
5 tsp (2 pkgs) yeast (I used quick rise)
1/2 c warm water
1/2 tsp + 2 T honey
2 T olive oil
2 tsp salt
2 c hot water
apx 7 cups flour (wheat/white mixture)

1. Dissolve yeast, 1/2 c warm water and 1/2 tsp honey in mixing bowl. Let activate 5-10 minutes.
2. Add remaining honey, oil, salt and 2 c hot water and stir.
3. Stir in approximately 7 cups of flour (I needed about 6 1/2)
4. Knead for 10 minutes, until smooth & elastic. Add more flour if dough is too sticky. You should be able to touch it and pull your finger away clean.
5. Place in a greased bowl and turn once. Cover with a kitchen towel and place in a warm place to rise. Let it rise for 2 hours, or until doubled.
6. Punch down and let rest 15 minutes. Divide in half. On floured surface (I used parchment paper which worked well-no flour needed), roll each half into a large rectangle. Roll up starting on the long side and shape into a loaf.
7. Place loaves on greased cookie sheet and make 4-5 slashes diagonally across the tops.
8. Cover with kitchen towel and let rise until double, around 1 hour.
9. Brush on 1 beaten egg or melted butter and bake at 400 for 20 minutes.

Hope you enjoy!