French Bread

 

I've made tons of bread, and this my friends, in my opinion, is the BEST dough. Personally I think ALL dough should feel this way, it is so smooth. Since this recipe makes three loaves, I would just share with a friend, or adjust the recipe. I make mine earlier in the day, so before dinner is served, slice the loaf length-wise, spread garlic butter, and wrap it in foil. Stick it in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes to warm through. Then stick it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp it up.

French Bread

Yield: 3 loaves


1 T butter
1 T salt
2 T sugar
1 C boiling water
1 C cold water
1/3 C lukewarm water
1 T yeast (active dry)
5 - 6 C white all purpose flour
1 egg


Place the 1 C hot water in the microwave until it boils.

Dissolve the yeast into the warm water in a small bowl.

Mix the salt, butter, and sugar in the bottom of your mixer with a fork, until it resembles crumbs.

Pour the boiling water over the butter mixture, stir till butter is melted.

Pour the cold water over the mixture.

Pour the warm water and yeast into the mixer, and combine.

Add the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the side of your mixer, using the dough hook.

Mix dough on high for 8 minutes.

Let dough rise in the mixer for about 20 minutes.

Separate the dough into three parts and place on a large cookie sheet, sprayed with cooking spray or you could use butter. Let the dough sit for about 5 minutes.

Spread the dough out on counter, dusted with flour. Keep spreading or rolling till it resembles large pizza dough.

Roll the dough up like you would when making cinnamon rolls.

Fold the ends over and layer them on top of each other(So fold it in thirds).

Turn the loaf so the seam side is down. Repeat with the remaining two pieces of dough.

Beat the egg till well beaten, it should look light and bubbly.

Cut three diagonal slits in the top of each loaf with a buttered, sharp, knife. Using a basting brush, baste the egg over each loaf, making sure to get in slits as well.

Place loaves in a warm place and let rise for about 15 minutes.

While loaves are rising, preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and crusty.

Turn the oven down to 350. Bake for another 10 minutes. Enjoy.