MMMMMM....French Bread

I love to bake bread and haven't done it in a long time.  I've always been intimidated by the idea of making French bread, but I have no idea why.  I found a recipe and decided to try it today.  Oh, my gosh!  First of all, it was SOOO easy!  I started it as soon as I got home from school, and we were eating it by 6:15.  And secondly...can you say YUM?  (if I do say so myself, LOL)  It got rave reviews from the entire family.  This will definitely be a recipe to keep handy and make over and over again!

French Bread

INGREDIENTS:

2 packages yeast (or 4 1/2 tsp)

2 1/2 cups warm water

1 T. Kosher salt (can substitute garlic salt)

1 T. melted butter/margarine

7 c. flour

2 T. cornmeal

DIRECTIONS:

Dissolve yeast in warm water in warmed mixer bowl.

Add salt, butter, and flour.

Attach bowl& dough hook to Kitchenaid mixer, turn to Speed 2 and mix about 1 minute or until well blended. Knead on Speed 2 about 2 minutes longer.  (or knead by hand)

Don't be worried if the dough is sticky.  That's normal.  

Put dough in large greased bowl, turning to coat.

Cover and let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

Punch dough down and divide in half.

Roll each half into 12" x 15" rectangle.

Roll dough tightly, from longest side, tapering ends, if needed/wanted.

Put loaves on greased baking sheets that have been dusted with cornmeal.

Cover and let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

With sharp knife, make 4 diagonal cuts on top of each loaf.

Bake at 450F for 25 minutes, then remove from oven.  (mine was done in closer to 20 minutes).  As soon as it comes out of the oven, spread butter over the entire top of the crust.  

Immediately remove from baking sheets and cool on wire racks.

Serve with your favorite spread such as herbed butter, garlic bread topping, etc.

Enjoy!

 

Sandy