French Bread Recipe

Since Kristi is looking for non-soy/non-dairy foods, this french bread recipe caught my eye. The original post is from a blog I frequent called Deals to Meals. There are a lot of interesting meal ideas there as well. This recipe makes 3 loaves.
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2 1/2 c. warm water
2 T. yeast
3 T. sugar
2 T. white vinegar
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1 T. salt
1/3 c. oil (I use Canola)
6 1/2 - 7 1/2 c. flour (or a little more if it's too soft)
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Combine the water, yeast, sugar, and white vinegar and let sit until bubbly.

Add the salt, oil, and then gradually add the flour till you get the right consistency.

Knead for 2-5 minutes and then put in the oven with a small pot of boiling water. The water will keep the dough moist.

Watch the dough and punch it down when it gets to the top of the mixing bowl. Do this every time it gets to the top of the bowl, as long as you have time to babysit it (2-5 times).

Put the dough on a greased counter top and divide into 3 sections.

Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal on the bottom of the sheet.

Roll the dough balls into rectangle/long French bread shapes.

Slash tops of bread diagonally 3-5 times and cover with a beaten egg.

Put them in your oven at 170 and wait until they are the size you want to bake them.

Once they are to the right size, turn up your stove to 400 (without opening the door!) and let them bake 15-20 until the tops are golden brown.

(Or, just let them rise on the counter for 30 minutes and then bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes.)