Tuesday, May 11, 2010

French Bread is for Wimps Like Me

So easy, even a caveman can do it. I didn't think it would be easy until I tried it. There are a few steps involved, but the end result is worth it. When I pulled it out of the oven I was afraid it was ruined. It seemed extremely tough on the outside. So tough that I thought it was hard all the way through. As soon as I took my bread knife to it, it cracked open with steam oozing out as my knife slid down easily through the fluffy bread. I was pretty proud of myself, I think you will be too.

French Bread Directions

Ingredients:
2 Tbs active dry yeast
2 cups warm water
2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
4 1/2-5 cups bread flour
1 tsp cornmeal







In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the salt, sugar & 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface, knead until smooth & elastic about 6-8 min.



Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover & let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape into 12" long loaves.


Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover & let rise until doubled, about 30 min. Sprinkle with cornmeal. With a sharp knife, make 4 shallow slashes across the top. Bake at 450 for 15-20 min or until golden brown.



I used my french bread to make my favorite sandwich. Spread slice of french bread with pesto, add artichoke hearts from a can, and top with baked rotisserie chicken. I sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and broiled until crispy around the edges. Serve and enjoy!

8 comments:

  1. Will you please come to my house and make me dinner?

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is just so WRONG!

    Showing yummy bread like that!

    One of these days...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sorry, you did it wrong. You didn't add jalepenos and cheese.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Now, you know there is no way I will ever be baking up French Bread! Oh I know you will try to convince me of its simplicity but Kasha, dear, it just aint happening! However, my daughter, Michele, has been looking for just this sort of recipe. I will be passing it on to her ASAP!!! I may be sorry I left Idaho, should she decide to bake it but I'll "suffer."

    Thanks for sharing...

    ReplyDelete
  5. That looks incredible! I love to make bread. Nothing makes your house smell so great.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Kasha,
    Hope all is well with you and yours:)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bread is my weakness. And I've always thought it was a tricky thing to make. But if you say so....... :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting! Please come again!

Raw Spice Bar

Raise your hand if you love to cook, but find yourself just finishing up your 8,987th meal and you are fresh out of ideas. Just me?  I h...