The first real yeast bread I ever made. It's delicious and pretty simple. Just remember your wets and drys and good yeast with warm liquid.
Dissolve 1 TBS active dry yeast and 1 tsp. sugar in 1/4 cup warm water and let proof.
Combine 5 cups flour and 1 TBS salt in large bowl, add yeast mixture and another 1 1/2 cups warm water. Mix thoroughly, adding more water if necessary.
Turn out onto a floured board and knead for 10-15 minutes until dough is soft, silky and elastic.
Return to bowl, cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down and form into one round loaf or 2 long oblong loaves on parchment lined sheet.
Cover let rise for another hour.
Cut 2-3 slashes on top and brush with cold water.
Bake at 400 for 45 minutes or so until crusty golden brown and is hollow when tapped.
Cool on baking rack.
