French Bread

2 1/2 cups very warm water
2 tablespoons dry active yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon oil (vegetable oil or olive oil work great)
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter

In a large bowl, mix together water, yeast, and sugar until the yeast is completely dissolved. Add in salt, oil, and flour. Stir with a large wooden spoon or mixer until it becomes too difficult, then knead for two minutes on a floured surface.  Spray a large bowl with non-stick cooking spray and place dough in the bowl. Cover with a dish towel and let it raise until it doubles in size.  Dump dough out onto a floured surface. Cut in half and shape into a smooth, bread loaf shape Use a sharp knife and slice about 1/3 of the way down into the bread, opening up little cracks about 2" apart. The cracks will separate more as they rise and bake.  Place dough loaves on a greased cookie sheet and let rise again until doubled (about 25-30 minutes). Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.  Remove bread from oven and rub butter on top.  Makes two loaves of french bread.