Crusty French Bread

Ingredients:

1 tb Dry yeast
1/2 c Warm water
1 ts Salt
2 tb Vegetable oil
1/4 ts Sugar
3 c White flour
Cornmeal

Method:

In a medium sized bowl, warmed, dissolve yeast in water & add salt, oil & sugar.
Stir together.
With a slotted spoon, beat in 1 3/4 c flour.
Combine 1/2 c flour with the other ingredients.
Set side in a warm area for 15 to 20 minutes.
Flour a board with the rest of the flour & turn out the dough.
Knead till it is no longer sticky.
Flatten it with the palms of your hands.
Fold in half & in half again.
Roll until it is 10 1/2 inches long.
Sprinkle cornmeal on a cookie sheet & set the dough.
Use a brush to oil the surface.
Slash the top of the dough with a sharp knife & allow to proof for 30 minutes or so.
Preheat oven to 375F & bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven & spread the surface with water, using a brush.
Continue to bake for 30 to 35 minutes.