Foolproof French Bread

1 package dry yeast
2 cups lukewarm water
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

In large bowl, mix flour, salt and sugar together.

In small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Pour yeast mixture over other ingredients. Stir and mix. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise 4 hours.

Punch down, but do not knead. Place in greased souffle dish. Cover and let rise 1 hour.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 1 hour. Bread may need to be covered during the last 15 minutes if it browns too quickly. If you do not want a hard crust, brush loaf with butter after removing from oven.