Here is a super easy very versatile french bread recipe for you to try:
(hint-eat first day fresh with pasta,soup, etc…..second day as Paninis)

*dissolve 2 1/2 tsp dry yeast in 1 C warm water sprinkled with 2T sugar- let set until yeast is activated and foamy (5-10 minutes)
*Add this to your stand mixer or a big bowl
*beat in 1 C flour and 2T olive oil & 1 tsp salt until nice and smooth
*if using a stand mixer, switch out to dough attachment-add 2 more Cups of flour and mix on speed 1 or 2 until a nice smooth ball forms-continue mixing for about 5 minutes or until nice elastic consistency
*take dough out and grease the bowl with a little olive oil, put dough back in and cover with a towel to rise until double
*punch down, allow to rise to double again
*take out and form into whatever shape you like depending on how you will use it
*Bake on baking stone in 375 oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and sounds kinda “hollow” when thumped
**variations: add onion powder& garlic powder and form into breadsticks—top with a mix of 1 stick butter, 4T onion powder, 4T garlic powder, 4T romano/mozz blend grated dry cheese when they are fresh out of the oven–yum!
or just use your imagination-its a very versatile dough
It’s easier than you think!