French Bread

 


Ingredients:

1 (1/4 ounce) packet active dry yeast

1 tablespoon organic honey

1 1⁄2 cups warm water

2 teaspoons natural sea salt

4 -41⁄2cups unbleached all-purpose flour


Directions:

1. Place the yeast, honey and warm water in a large bowl and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt and the flour. Use a wooden spoon to stir 2 cups of the

flour mixture into the yeast mixture; stir in the remaining flour mixture (dough will be stiff).

3. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead with floured hands until dough is smooth and

elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Add a little flour, 1 tablespoon at a time as necessary, to prevent dough

from sticking.

4. Place in an oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap (or a clean kitchen towel)

and leave to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.

5. Preheat oven to 400F degrees.

6. Gently punch dough down to deflate it and shape into two oblong baguettes. Dust tops lightly with

flour and place on a lightly greased baking sheet; let rise uncovered for 30 minutes.

7. Use a serrated knife to cut 3-5 small diagonal slits across the tops of the baguettes, and lightly

sprinkle with cool water.

8. Bake in the middle of oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack to cool.

9. Best eaten the same day.

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