Traditional Artisan Style Baguette - Rustic French Bread |
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Prep Time: 2 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 32 Minutes Servings: 24 |
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A traditional country-style French bread, made the old-fashioned way (although you can use the bread-machine if you wish). The result is a lovely full-flavored loaf with a wonderful crust. Best eaten the same day. Makes 2 baguettes. Ingredients:
1 (1/4 ounce) packet active dry yeast |
1 tablespoon organic honey |
1 1/2 cups warm water |
2 teaspoons natural sea salt |
4 -4 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour |
Directions:
1. Place the yeast, honey and warm water in a large bowl and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt and the flour. Use a wooden spoon to stir 2 cups of the flour mixture into the yeast mixture; stir in the remaining flour mixture (dough will be stiff).
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead with floured hands until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Add a little flour, 1 tablespoon at a time as necessary, to prevent dough from sticking.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap (or a clean kitchen towel) and leave to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 400F degrees.
6. Gently punch dough down to deflate it and shape into two oblong baguettes. Dust tops lightly with flour and place on a lightly greased baking sheet; let rise uncovered for 30 minutes.
7. Use a serrated knife to cut 3-5 small diagonal slits across the tops of the baguettes, and lightly sprinkle with cool water.
8. Bake in the middle of oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack to cool.
9. Best eaten the same day.
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