French Bread

1 cup warm water
3 cups flour
1 ½ tsp. salt
2 tsp. yeast

Place all ingredients in the order listed into the KitchenAid mixer. Turn on mixer to stir speed until well mixed then turn to speed 2. Let the machine knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes.

Remove from the bowl and shape into a smooth ball. Spray the bowl LIGHTLY with oil and return the dough ball to the bowl turning the ball to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl and set in a warm place to rise until double, about 45 minutes.

Turn out dough onto a floured countertop. Shape the dough into one 12-inch oblong loaf, one large round loaf, two 18-inch thin baguettes, or 8 french rolls.
Dust the tops with flour and rub it in. Place the loaves on a cookie sheet. With a very sharp knife, slash the tops of the loaves about ½ inch deep. Cover and let rise in a warm oven about 30-45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450°F. Bake round or oblong loaves about 20 minutes, the baguettes about 15 minutes, and the rolls about 10-12 minutes.