Easy Homemade French Bread

Sometimes you either 1) don't have time to get to the store for the French bread to go with dinner or 2) (and more likely scenario) homemade just tastes better.

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups warm water
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. instant or active dry yeast
3/4 Tbsp. salt
2 Tbsp. olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil or avocado oil
5 1/2 - 6 cups of all-purpose or bread flour

Directions:
1.  In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the water, sugar and yeast.  If using active dry yeast, let the mixture bubble and foam before proceeding (this can take 3-5 minutes).  If using instant yeast, proceed with the recipe (no need to let the yeast activate).

2.  Add the salt, oil and 3 cups of flour and mix.  Add in 2 1/2 to 3 more cups of flour gradually.  The dough should clear the sides of the bowl and form a soft ball that doesn't leave a lot of dough residue on your fingers.  Knead for 2-3 minutes until the dough is smooth.  If the dough start to cling to the sides of the bowl (or the center column if using a Bosch or other mixer with a center), add 1/4 cup of flour at a time until a sturdy but soft ball of dough forms.

3.  Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a towel or greased plastic wrap.  Let the dough rise until doubled, about an hour or so, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.

4.  Turn the dough onto a lightly greased surface and divide in half.  Pat each section into a thick rectangle, 9x13-inches or thereabouts (doesn't have to be exact).  Roll the dough up starting from the long edge, pressing out any air bubbles or seams with the heel of your hand, and pinch the edge to seal.

5.  Arrange seam side down on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  You can slash several gashes in the top of the bread now or wait until after it has risen.

6.  Cover with greased plastic wrap or kitchen towel, let the loaves rise until noticeably puffy and nearly doubled in size, about an hour.

7.  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and make sure an oven rack is in the center position.  If you haven't already, with a very sharp knife or baker's lame cut several gashes at an angle on the top of the loaf.

8.  Place the baking sheet in the hot oven and immediately toss 3-4 ice cubes on the bottom of the oven (this gives a delicious, classic, French bread crispness to the curst).  Close the oven door quickly.

9.  Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and baked through.  Remove from the oven and slather with melted butter.