Proofing the Yeast

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously grease a french loaf pan. In a microwave safe bowl (I use a glass measuring cup) heat milk or water in microwave until liquid is at least 105-110 degrees. Pour warm liquid into a mixing bowl, along with the brown sugar and yeast. Take a whisk and gently whisk together, making sure the yeast is all in liquid and there are no big clumps. Let this mixture set and proof, which means it will look like a "mushroom cloud" when it is ready. (Usually, about 8-10 min.) While waiting on this to proof, measure out all dry ingredients and put in a bowl; set aside.
  
• When proofing has finished, add dry ingredients to yeast mixture, along with the egg. Using the bread hook, turn your mixer on low to get dry ingredients incorporated. As you are mixing, add in olive oil. Slowly, turn up on a higher speed and continue mixing until your dry ingredients are all mixed in and you start to see a dough ball forming. This sometimes will take 3-5 min. This dough is a bit more sticky than others, so don't worry. The longer you mix, the better dough ball will be formed.
• Now, take a spatula and spray the end with cooking spray. (I spray and use my hands, they work just as good) If there is still a little dough left on the bottom of the bowl, start scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and clean off dough hook. I work this around until I have a ball of dough. I also lightly spray the dough with olive oil cooking spray to make it easy to pick up. Once you have a dough ball, take it to a lightly floured surface, (such as a wooden cutting board) Take your dough and cut it in half. Make sure to get each section as equal as you can. (pic shows how I make sure it's even)
  
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• Now, Shape each half in a longer roll and place in a well greased French loaf pan. You can use a cookie sheet, but I find a french loaf pan is easier and your bread will not spread out.
• Set the french loaves in a warm area and spray each loaf top with olive oil spray, then place a piece of plastic wrap over the top to raise. This usually takes about 45-50 min.
  
• Place in a 350 degree oven for 22-23 min. Top will be golden brown. Slide out the loaves onto a cooling rack. Let set for 5-10 minutes before cutting.