Friday, March 9, 2012

French Bread!

This recipe is from a friend of mine. Takes some times, but oh sooo worth it!! :D

2 Tbsp dry active yeast
2 cups lukewarm water
1/4 cup sugar
Combine, let stand 5 minutes. (Watch the yeast bloom, it's pretty)
Add
1 Tbsp Kosher salt
Gradually mix in 5 1/2-6 cups flour until dough is no longer sticky.
Knead 10-12 minutes

Put in a greased bowl cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled. Punch dough down, divide in half and let rest 5-10 minutes.

Now, the magic! Spray a large sheet pan with non stick spray take one half of the dough and spread it out on the pan until it is the same size (make it even). Roll it up from the short side set it on the counter and spray the sheet pan again. Repeat with other half of dough. Spray the pan one last time and place each loaf seam side down on it. On the ends of each loaf press your hand down on the end so it's even and fold it under the loaf. Cover with a towel and let rise until double.

Heat oven to 400. Spray a VERY sharp knife with non stick spray. Beat one egg with 1 Tbsp water until frothy.
Very lightly score the tops of the dough not more than 1/4 inch deep with the knife (about 5 down the length, on a slight diagonal).

Bake 15 minutes then turn the pan and bake 15 minutes more. Cool on a wire rack so the bottom is crispy too!