Bountiful Breads

French Bread Loaves

Makes 2 (15-inch) loaves

2½ cups warm water (105° to 110°)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 (0.25-ounce) packages active dry yeast
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
7 to 8 cups bread flour
Cornmeal, for sprinkling

1. In a medium bowl, combine 2½ cups warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

2. In a very large bowl, combine oil, salt, and yeast mixture; beat with a mixer at low speed until smooth. Gradually add 5 cups flour, beating until smooth. Gradually beat in enough remaining 2 to 3 cups flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, 6 to 8 minutes.

4. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°) until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

5. Lightly spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray; sprinkle pan with cornmeal.

6. On a lightly floured surface, divide dough in half. Roll one piece of dough into a 15x12-inch rectangle. Starting at one long side, roll up dough into a log, pinching seam to seal. Repeat procedure with remaining dough. Place logs on prepared pan. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°) until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

7. Preheat oven to 350°.

Using a sharp knife, make diagonal