I recently started Culinary School at Mississippi University for Women as a dual degree "Culinology" student. Food and Science is a passion. Today I made French Bread for the first time and i must say it turned out fantastic! For a beginner bread making is a complete challenge.
This is how i made it:  
     

        FRENCH BREAD

     
       1 quart Water, warm
       1 ounce Active Dry yeast
       3 lb. 12 oz. Bread Flour
       1 ounce salt

Combine water and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let the yeast activate for about five to ten minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix on low speed with a dough hook until all the flour is incorporated.
Kneed the dough until smooth and elastic.
Let dough rise until doubled in size.
Divide dough into equal sections and shape into desired loaf
Let bread rise again until doubled
Bake at 400F (200C) until crust is golden brown for approximately 12 minutes for rolls and 30 minutes for small loaves

Serve with a Jalapeno Honey Compound Butter 

 
      Soften room temperature butter
      Honey
      1 Roasted Jalapeno
      Salt
      Pepper

Roast Jalapeno on flame. Remove skin and seeds. Chop finely.
Whip butter, honey, one finely chopped jalapeno, and salt.