French Bread Recipe

We usually buy French bread when we want to have it with an Italian dish, but last Saturday Mom suggested since we weren't going to be in town, that I found out how to make it so we could take some to a lasagna supper at a friend's house that night. I was very pleased with the recipe I found - super easy and fast! The bread only requires one 20-minute rising. The results were yummy! I have a feeling we won't be buying French bread again....

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups water (70 to 80 degrees F)

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 1/2 cups bread flour

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 tablespoon cornmeal

GLAZE:

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

2 teaspoons sesame seeds + dried Italian herbs

Directions

1.In bowl mix warm/hot water, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add flour and knead.

2. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Roll each portion into a 10-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal.

3.Sprinkle a greased baking sheet with cornmeal; place loaves seam side down on prepared pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes.

4.Whisk egg and water; brush over loaves. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds/herbs if desired. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

 

Modified from recipe found here.