Hi Sandy,

I don't know the reason for your French bread failure, but here's the tried-and-true recipe I use in my bread machine (a VERY old Dak).

Bread Machine French Bread
Yield 1 small loaf

1 package active dry yeast
2 cups bread flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon butter, margarine, or olive oil
1 cup + 1 tablespoon warm water

Place all ingredients in the bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select French bread setting and bake.

Note: I like to make this using olive oil and adding the leaves stripped from 1 sprig of fresh rosemary.

Susan, Hawaii