I’ve made a lot of bread in my life, but never French Bread. I guess I just always figured it was easier to grab a loaf while I’m out at the grocery store. But the other day, I came across a recipe in my files for some French Loaves, and decided to give it a try.
Since we had some soup simmering in the crock pot on this particular day, I wanted some warm, fresh bread to go with it. Homemade bread is the best, don’t you think?
The verdict?
I was utterly amazed at how simple it was to make! Granted, it still requires more effort than purchasing a loaf at your grocery store, but it’s homemade, tasty and so worth the extra minimal work.
It’s a delicious white bread that’s perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside-just what a French Bread should be.
If you’re like me, you attribute bread with lots of sweat and labor. But not so in this case.
This creation is ready in less than 2 hours, including raising times! Amazing!
{EASY FRENCH LOAVES}
2 Tbsp. active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110 degrees to 115 degrees)
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar
4 to 4 1/2 c. bread flour
1 tsp. cornmeal
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the salt, sugar and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. (I used 4 cups total). Knead in mixer or by hand until smooth, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape into 12-in.-long loaves.
Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cornmeal. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
This bread really is yummy and so easy to whip up. The most time-consuming part is letting it raise, but that’s what housework is for. I got some much-needed vacuuming and dusting accomplished while the dough did its own work of doubling in size.
Now serve up some slices of warm, homemade goodness with your meal! Your family will love you!
Take that store-bought bread! Ha!
Jenna