4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Dissolve sugar in warm water
Add yeast and let sit until foamy
Mix flour and salt in a large bowl
Add yeast mixture and oil to the flour
Stir until a rough dough forms
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic
Place dough in a greased bowl
Cover and let rise until doubled in size
Punch down the dough
Shape into a long loaf
Place on a baking sheet or in a baguette pan
Cover and let rise again until puffy
Preheat oven to 425°F
Make shallow slashes on top of the loaf
Bake until golden brown
Cool on a wire rack before slicing