Easy French Bread

2 T yeast
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups hot water
3 T sugar
1 T salt
1/4 cup oil
6 cups flour
1 egg (save white)

* Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup water. Set aside. Combine 2 cups hot water, sugar, salt, oil, and half the flour. Stir well; add yolk. Stir. Add dissolved yeast and remaining flour. Stir again. Let rise 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes. Divide dough into thirds; place in bread pans. Slip tops and brush with egg whites. Let rise 30 minutes. Bake 25 minutes at 400 degrees.

* You may divide dough in half, shape into French rolls, and slip tops diagonally if you wish. Let rise on a cookie sheet.