French Bread

I also made this for dinner tonight. I'm back on a bread-baking-kick. Expect a few recipes :) This was a great, traditional French Bread. Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com. Enjoy!

French Bread

• 4 1/2 - 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 5 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1 tbsp cornmeal
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast and salt. Stir in 2 cups warm water, and beat until well blended using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.

2. On a lightly floured surface, knead in enough flour to make a stiff dough that is smooth and elastic. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes total. Shape into a ball. Place dough in a greased bowl, and turn once. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.

3. Punch dough down, and divide in half. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover, and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each half into large rectangle. Roll up, starting from a long side. Moisten edge with water and seal. Taper ends.

4. Grease a large baking sheet. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Place loaves, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly beat the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water, and brush on. Cover with a damp cloth. Let rise until nearly doubled, 35 to 40 minutes. Preheat ove to 375 degrees F.

5. With a very sharp knife, make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep across top of each loaf. Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes. Brush again with egg white mixture. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until bread tests done. If necessary, cover loosely with foil to prevent over browning. Remove from baking sheet, and cool on a wire rack. ENJOY!

*For Bread Tips - see my blog post w/ step-by-step instructions!*