Onion French Bread

Ingredients

• 0.5 ounce yeast dry
• 1  egg whites 
• 5 cups flour all-purpose
• 1 envelope onion soup mix 
• 2 teaspoons salt 
• 2 tablespoons shortening 
• 3 tablespoons sugar 
• 1 tablespoon water 
• 2 cups water (120° to 130°)

Equipment

• bowl
• baking sheet
• oven
• knife
• wire rack
• plastic wrap

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, soup mix, yeast, sugar and salt; add warm water and shortening. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes.
2. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3 minutes.
3. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down; knead 4-5 times. Divide in half.
4. Roll each portion into a 14-in. x 6-in. rectangle.
5. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch edges and ends to seal.
6. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Beat egg white and water; brush over loaves. Cover with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking spray; let rise until doubled, about 30-40 minutes. With a sharp knife, make four shallow diagonal cuts across the top.
7. Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.