I strive to create a home that is characterized by peace, order and beauty. On Fridays, I tend to look back and see a week punctuated by incomplete work, things I should have accomplished that I did not, and things that I should not have said that I did. The latter is where I tend to err most frequently. I am so thankful for fresh starts, new beginnings and forgiveness!
Now I am going to share a really easy and fabulous french bread recipe. It’s great because it is so versatile. I will continue to share recipes in the future with variations on this basic bread. For now, you can serve it warm with butter.
Have a lovely weekend!
French Bread
Equipment:
Bosch or Kitchen Aid Mixer fitted with dough hook
Large mixing bowl greased (use for first rise)
Cookie sheet greased and lightly dusted with cornmeal
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Instant Yeast
7 Cups Flour
1 Tablespoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
21/2 Cups Warm (105 F – 115F) Water
Scant Amount of Sugar
Proof Yeast: Add yeast to 1 cup of the warm water and sprinkle sugar on top. Wait 3 – 5 minutes. You will know when this process is working as the mixture will foam and froth and increase in volume.
While the yeast is proofing, place the flour and salt in the mixer and combine on low speed.
Add the melted butter to the remaining 1 1/2 cups of warm water.
Now add the yeast mixture (Should be about 1 1/2 – 2 cups by now) and the water with the butter to the flour – alternate small amounts and mix in between.
Incorporate all of the liquid into the flour.
Knead on speed 2 in either mixer for 6 minutes.
Place dough in grease bowl, cover and let rise until double (about 45 minutes).
Divide dough into 2 pieces (weigh , if possible).
Shape each piece into a long, thin loaf, tapering the ends.
Place each loaf side be side on the greased, dusted cookie sheet.
Let rise until double, about 30 minutes.
Slash loaves 3 -4 times on top and bake at 425 F for 25 minutes.
Using a wash of 1 egg white and a little cold water, brush the loaves and bake for 2 additional minutes. This will add a nice finish.
Tags: bread