5 - 5 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 Tbls. sugar
3 tsp. salt
1 Tbls. yeast
2-2 1/2 cups warm water
1 Tbls. olive oil
1 egg slightly beaten
1 Tbls. water
Sesame seeds (optional)

In large bowl combine 2 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Add water and oil. Beat until smooth. Stir in remainder flour to form a stiff dough. Knead until no longer sticky, about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl and turn to grease top. Cover let rise until double in size. Shape into loaves. Combine egg white and water. Brush over top, sprinkle with sesame seed. Make 3-4 diagonal slashes 1/2 inch deep across the top.

Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes until light brown.

In oven, have shallow pan of water. Also, 3-4 times during baking, spray oven with water. These hints will result in crustier bread.

Be creative and add special flavors into the bread on the final minute of kneading such as rosemary or dill, hard shredded cheeses or garlic powder. These may all be added as toppings before baking as well.

Break bread together by serving warm and giving each person a small dish of olive oil sprinkled with your favorite spices such as basil, oregano, dill, rosemary, salt and garlic powder.