One Hour French Bread

It really is too hot for baking but I just couldn't pass up this recipe to go with the Spaghetti Bruschetta we are having for dinner tonight.  Guess we will just have to eat in front of the fan!  This recipe makes one large loaf or two small ones.  This recipe comes from thefoodcharlatan.com.
In a bowl whisk together:

• 1 and 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast*
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt 
• Let sit for 5 minutes then mix in: 
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3-4 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled 
• When dough is no longer sticky, knead for 5 minutes until smooth.  Cover for 20 minutes and let rise.
• Shape into 1 or 2 oblong loaves.  Brush with and egg white that has been whipped frothy. Cut 3 to 4 slashes across the top of the loaf.  Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
• 1 egg white, optional (for brushing)