SESAME FRENCH BREAD

Sesame French Bread image

Homemade French bread isn't at all difficult to make, and it's perfect alongside Italian foods. If you're not serving a large group, freeze one loaf to enjoy later. -Peggy Van Arsdale, Trenton, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2-1/2 cups water (110° to 115°)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons salt
6 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Cornmeal
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, oil, salt and 4 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down. Divide in half. Roll each half into a 15x10-in. rectangle. Roll up from a long side; seal well. Place with seam side down on greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. , Beat egg white and water; brush over loaves. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray; let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. , With a sharp knife, make 4 shallow diagonal cuts across top. Bake at 400° until lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 99 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 150mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.