The Ultimate French Bread

 


Ingredients

1 1⁄4 cups warm water

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 1⁄2 cups bread flour 1 tablespoon yeast

CRUNCHY CRUST GLAZE 2 tablespoons water

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

SOFT CRUST GLAZE 1 egg

water, beaten

SILKY CRUST GLAZE 1 egg

milk, beaten


Directions:

1. Add to bread machine according to owner's manual (my machine does liquids first); program for

DOUGH or MANUAL.

2. At the end of the cycle, place on lightly floured surface, rolling into a large rectangle; start at the

longest end and roll up tightly, pressing seams and tapering each end, tucking under.

3. Place loaf on a greased baking sheet or stone; cover and let rise for one hour until doubled.

4. Near end of rising time, preheat oven to 400 degrees.

5. Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl; brush over loaf generously; snip three diagonal slashes over

the top (optional).

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, top will be golden brown.

7. VARIATIONS: After rolling dough into a rectangle, (1) sprinkle with grated cheese [cheddar is

delicious], or (2) generously brush with melted butter & sprinkle some aromatic herbs, or (3) spoon

leftover marinara sauce close to the edges, -- then roll up tightly and pinch edges; continue as

described in Step #3.

8. VARIATION #2: Mince one small onion (about 1/4 cup) and add to wet ingredients.

9. CREATIVE SUGGESTION: Shape into a round loaf instead of the usual long loaf.

10. BABY FRENCH BREAD LOAFLETS: Divide dough ball into 12 balls, tapering to make miniloaves;

bake 15-20 minutes--watch carefully!

11. FRENCH TWIST: Divide dough into 3 pieces, rolled into 14-16" ropes. Lay them on pan and

braid in usual fashion, tuck ends under, stretch out a bit if need be; brush with 2 T. melted butter;

cover & rise for about 30 minutes; brush with glaze, bake 20-25 minutes--watch carefully.

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