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New Orleans French Bread

From: Saveur
MAKES 4 LOAVES

2 tbsp. sugar
2 1/4-oz. packages active dry yeast
2 tbsp. vegetable shortening
6 cups bread flour
1 tbsp. kosher salt

Place 1 tbsp. sugar, yeast, and 2 cups water heated to 115° in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a hook; let sit until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add remaining sugar and shortening, and then add flour and salt. Mix on low speed until dough forms; increase speed to medium-high and knead dough until smooth, 8–10 minutes. Remove bowl from mixer and cover with plastic wrap; let sit until doubled in size, 1 1/2–2 hours.

Uncover dough and transfer to a floured work surface; knead briefly to form a ball. Divide dough into quarters and shape each quarter into a 16"-long thick rope. Place two ropes each on a parchment paper-lined baking sheets, and cover with plastic wrap; let sit until doubled in size, 1–1 1/2 hours.

Heat oven to 375°. Using a sharp knife or cutting blade, slash a long line down the middle of each loaf. Bake loaves until light brown and an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of each loaf reads between 208°–212°, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.