French Bread
Why I Love This Recipe
Ingredients You'll Need
1 pkg dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3 cups AP flour
1 tsp salt
cooking spray
1 Tbsp water
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
Directions
Dissolve yeast in warm water in a small bowl. Let stand 5 minutes
Combine flour and salt in food processor. Add yeast mixture to dry materials and process until dough forms a ball.
Place dough in large bowl coated with cooking spray and let sit for 20-30 minutes
On a lightly floured surface knead dough 4 or 5 times.
Return dough to bowl and cover. Let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes (I turn on the oven while I do the first steps and turn it off, then place the dough in the still warm oven)
Knead dough again a couple times, then let sit for another 5 minutes
Shape dough into 9x8 inch rectangle. Roll up dough, starting at long side, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets. Pinch seam ends to seal. Cover dough, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 450.
Uncover dough and make 3 diagonal cuts across the top of loaf, using a sharp knife. Combine 1 Tbsp water and egg white, and brush mixture over top of loaf.
Bake at 450 for 20 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped.