Easiest Loaf of Bread Ever

This recipe is from King Arthurs Flour. Its super easy, but does take time because you have to let it set and rise, set and rise. I usually make it in the morning when we are just home. It makes 2 loaves, so the other one can be frozen for later. This is the "crusty bread" that we usually eat with soups or stews. The girls love it!!!

The Easiest Loaf of Bread Ever
1 T. sugar
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 T. (or 1 packet) dry active yeast
**this is in with the baking stuff...mine is usually next to the spices. You can buy single
packets of it or a jar if you use it a lot**
1 T. salt
corn meal (optional...just gives a crunch to the bottom of the bread. you can use dry oatmeal
too, or nothing and its just as good!)
2 cups warm water

Add sugar and yeast to warm water and let sit for 10 minutes. Slowly mix in salt and flour. Knead it in the bowl for about 3 minutes. Take the dough ball and set it on the counter and wash out your bowl. Now take a little olive oil or vegetable oil and rub it all over the inside of the bowl. Now take your dough ball and knead it again for about 3 minutes. Put the dough ball back in and flip it around so its all covered in the oil. Cover with plastic wrap and leave it alone for 1-2 hours. Now your dough will be nice and big. Uncover it and punch it down. Take your dough out and break it into 2 pieces (your 2 loaves). Shape them into French bread-shaped loaves. Place the loaves on a cookie sheet. (sprinkle the oatmeal or corn meal on your cookie sheet before putting the bread on if your using it). Leave it alone for 45 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Take a 9x13ish type pan and put 2-3 cups hot water in it. Place this on the bottom rack of the oven. Place bread on the rack above it and bake for 20 minutes. Turn off your oven and let the bread sit in there for 5 more minutes...DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR!! Now your bread is done!!!!!!!