Instructions: Add yeast to warm water and add salt and sugar. Stir until the yeast is dissolved. Beat the flour in 1 cup at a time, using a wooden spoon. Add as much flour as you need to make a smooth dough. Knead until smooth. Brush top and sides with oil. Cover dough with a towel and stand in a warm place to rise until double in bulk. Turn dough out on floured board; cut in half, shape into 2 long French loaves.

Place loaves on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal and let rise for 5 minutes. Slash tops of loaves in several places, brush with water and place in cold oven. Set oven at 400 degrees and start it. Place a pan of boiling water in oven with loaves and bake for 35 minutes or until crusty and done.

Makes 2 loaves.

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