Recipe: Sweet French Loaf

SWEET FRENCH LOAF

"Because this bread is very soft, you may think it's under baked. Check for the hollow sound. This bread becomes bulky, which is part of its great appeal. It has a slightly sweet flavor, so if you're a butter nut, spared some over a warm piece of this bread and devour. It is not an authentic French bread. The reason I call it such is because it makes the most fabulous French toast you'll eat. Ever! For those who are sensitive to dairy products or on a vegan diets, this is a vegan bread."

1 tablespoon yeast
2 cups warm water
1 1/2 warm vanilla soy milk
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
8 cups all-purpose flour (approximately)
1 tablespoon salt

In a medium bowl dissolve the yeast in the water and soy milk. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.

Add the powdered sugar and brown sugar to the yeast mixture.

In a large bowl combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and using your hands, mix well.

Place the dough on a floured counter or board and knead for 4 minutes. Keep the dough moist for soft, tender bread.

Generously butter baking sheet. Free form the dough onto the baking sheet. Slice a long, deep gash in the center of the dough. Let it rise for about 60 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Bake on the baking sheet for 45 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 F degrees and bake another 15 minutes. Ovens vary so test for doneness. Tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it's done. If not, continue to bake, checking every few minutes. When the loaf is done, cool for 30 minutes before slicing.

Makes 1 large loaf
Source: Beautiful Breads and Fabulous Fillings by Margaux Sky