Crusty French Bread
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Serves: 2 loaves
 
Tender white French bread with a crusty crust is made of just water, flour, salt and yeast. Freshly baked from the oven is a real treat!
Ingredients
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (120º - 130º)
Instructions
  1. In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer using the flat beater, combine the yeast, 2 1/2 cups flour and salt. Mix on low just to combine the ingredients.
  2. Add the water mixing with the dough hook until the mixture comes together. Add a little more flour if necessary. Beat with the dough hook for almost 5 minutes until the surface of the dough becomes smooth and a little sticky.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled.
  4. Divide the dough into 2 pieces depending on the size loaves you wish to make. Shape into 2 long loaves. Put a piece of parchment on the back side of a large cookie sheet. Place the loaves on it not touching. Cover with a towel and let raise again until doubled.
  5. Preheat oven to 450º. If you have a baking stone put it in the oven to heat. Slash the loaves 4 - 5 times with a razor blade or very sharp knife. Spray the loaves with water.
  6. Slide the loaves into the oven onto the preheated stone. If you do not have one then leave them on the cookie sheet and slide them off of it after 10 minutes. Add 2 cups of hot water to a deep pan right before you put the bread into the oven.
  7. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Spray the loaves with water three times at 3-minute intervals.
  8. Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Recipe by Recipes Food and Cooking at https://recipesfoodandcooking.com/2013/11/18/crusty-french-bread/