French Bread

1 TBSP quick rise yeast
1 1/2 C very warm water, divided
1 TBSP sugar
1 tsp salt
1 TBSP olive oil
4 C flour

1. Pour 1 C warm water in a large mixing bowl.  Fill a measuring cup with the other 1/2 C warm water.
2. Put yeast in the 1/2 C water and stir until dissolved.
3. Put sugar and salt in the 1 C warm water in large bowl.  Stir until dissolved.
4. Add the yeast to the sugar/salt water.  Stir.
5. Add the oil and Stir.
6. Add the flour one cup at a time, stirring very well.  After all four cups are added, cover with a towel and let rise 10 minutes.  Stir. Repeat at ten minute intervals 3 more times(for a total rise time of 40 minutes).
7.  Roll out the dough onto a floured surface(I like to get some wax paper and flour that and then roll the dough onto that).
8.  Separate the dough into two pieces.
9.  Roll each half into a 9x12 rectangle.  Roll up from the long side(like you would to make cinnamon rolls).  Tuck under edges at each end.  Place on a greased cookie sheet.
10. Slash the tops of dough 3-4 times with a sharp knife.  Cover with towel again and let rise 30 minutes.
11. Bake at 400 degrees for 22-25 minutes.
12. When you take the bread out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter.