FRENCH BREAD DESSERTS RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast and salt. Stir in 2 cups warm water, and beat until well blended using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
• On a lightly floured surface, knead in enough flour to make a stiff dough that is smooth and elastic. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes total. Shape into a ball. Place dough in a greased bowl, and turn once. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
• Punch dough down, and divide in half. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover, and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each half into large rectangle. Roll up, starting from a long side. Moisten edge with water and seal. Taper ends.
• Grease a large baking sheet. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Place loaves, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly beat the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water, and brush on. Cover with a damp cloth. Let rise until nearly doubled, 35 to 40 minutes.
• With a very sharp knife, make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep across top of each loaf. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for 20 minutes. Brush again with egg white mixture. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until bread tests done. If necessary, cover loosely with foil to prevent over browning. Remove from baking sheet, and cool on a wire rack.

Steps:

• In large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast, mix well. In small saucepan, heat 2 cups water and shortening until very warm (120 to 130 F.). Add warm liquid to flour mixture, blend at low speed until moistened. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in an additional 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 cups flour to form a stiff dough. On floured surface, knead in 1/4 to 1/2 cup flour until dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl, cover loosely with greased plastic warp and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80 to 85 F.) until light and doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes. Grease large cookie sheet. Punch down dough several times to remove all air bubbles. Divide dough in half, divide each half into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into 14-inch rope. Braid 3 ropes together, seal ends. Place on greased cookie sheet. Repeat with other half of dough. In small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon and egg white, beat sightly. Carefully brush over loaves. Cover, let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, 20 to 30 minutes. Heat oven to 375 F. Uncover dough, brush loaves again with egg white mixture. Bake at 375 F. for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet, cool on wire racks for 1 hour or until completely cooled.