Virtual Sefer Dawn`s French Bread

Dawn`s French Bread
3 cups warm water 1 1/2 tbl. salt
1 pkg. yeast 7 1/2 to 8 cups
3 tbl. sugar flour
In a large mixer bowl, dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water. Add sugar and salt; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in 2 cups water and 3 cups flour,beating with the paddle of a heavy duty mixer or a wooden spoon.Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time.Knead with dough hook 4-6 min. or by hand 8-10 min.until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel; let rise until almost tripled.Shape into 4 long slender loaves. Let loaves rise 45 min.Bake at 450 for 15 min. reduce heat to 350 and bake 30 min more.
Can freeze baked loaves wrapped in foil. To reheat loosen one end and heat at 375 for 20 min. This is from once a month cooking.
I don`t know why you couldn`t add herbs.
Debbie