Becky's Famous French Bread

This French bread has amazing memories for my bunco group and Becky was so generous to share the recipe with us.  I wasn't so sure it would turn out as good, but it turned out wonderful!

3c. Warm water
1/3 c. Sugar
2 Tbsp. Yeast
*let bubble for 10 min., then add:
1 1/2Tbs. Salt
4 Tbsp. Oil (can use olive)
(Variations on the bread could be:  use Italian seasonings, garlic, or 2 Tbsp. Rosemary and add 2 Tbsp. Minced garlic, can add seeds like sunflower seeds or pine nuts, or add feta cheese to it.  More options are: sugar and cinnamon, then substitute water with orange juice and orange zest.  

Next add:  6 to 7 1/2 c. Flour, one cup at a time.  Let set 1 hour.  Divide dough in half, may have to add flour, so your hands aren't too sticky.  Shape into 2 French loaves.  Slash diagonally 7 times.  Sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds or leave plain for the top.  

Cover with cloth.  Preheat oven to 375 F.   When oven is ready, put loaves in and bake 25-30 min. Mine took about 23 min.

Enjoy!