1 1/2 pkgs. dry yeast
2 c. warm water
5 to 6 c. flour
1 tbsp. egg white mixed with 1 tbsp. cold water
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
3 tbsp. yellow cornmeal

Combine yeast with sugar and warm water and allow to proof. Mix the salt with the flour and add to yeast mixture a cup at a time until you have a stiff dough. Knead until no longer sticky. Cover and let rise until double in bulk.

Punch down dough, turn onto floured board and shape into two French bread style loaves. Place on baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Slash tops of loaves and brush with egg wash. Put in cold oven set at 400 degrees and bake for 35 minutes.