Really Good, Really EASY Italian Bread

2 cups warm water
2 pkgs yeast
2 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
4 TBS olive oil
5 cups flour ( I like to mix bread/allpurpose)

Combine all in mixer. Knead for 3-5 min. Add more flour if you need to by the tsp until dough JUST doesn’t stick to the bowl.

Let rise in a greased covered bowl until doubled. 

Pour out and gently divide in two.

Place on a silicone mat on a baking sheet, then shape each loaf into a batard (The shape of a foot long from SubWay)

Loosely cover and let rise again, on top of the oven while it preheats. 

Slice top for fancy effect.

Bake at 400F for 16-18 min. Maybe 25, depends on your oven.