Easy 3-Step French Loaf

I whipped up a loaf of this French bread a couple nights ago; it was delicious! It had a light, crispy crust and tender inside.  It was really big, so you could half it or divide it into two loaves (even three) if you wanted!  On top of that, it was so easy to make – just three steps!.  If you don’t have a breadmaker and want to prepare this traditionally, well then it becomes a bit less simple.
Easy French Loaf (from food.com):

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 cups flour
• 2 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (or 1 1/2 tsp fast rising yeast)

1. Place ingredients in bread machine in the order called for by breadmaker instruction booklet (water on bottom, then dry ingredients, yeast sprinkled on top). Set for dough.
2. Remove dough and form into loaf on floured surface without punching down.  Placed on greased cookie sheet (or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper) and allow to rise 1 hour.
3. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350.

Wondering what that yummy pasta you see up there is?  It’s homemade alfredo sauce tossed with sauteed garlic and tomatoes..delicious!