RECIPES USING FRENCH BREAD 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 a glass measuring cup or small bowl, combine lukewarm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until foamy, 5 to 8 minutes.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour and salt. Pour in yeast mixture and mix on medium speed until a soft dough forms, 10 minutes. Dough will still be sticky. Transfer dough into a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let rise until doubled, 1 hour.  Punch down dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough a few times, then roll dough out into a 16"-x- 9” rectangle. Starting on a long end, roll dough into a log. Tuck ends under to seal them. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and cover with a kitchen towel. Let rise another 45 minutes.  Preheat oven to 425°. Beat egg white until foamy and brush over top of loaf. Using a serrated knife, make a diagonal slice every 2 inches or so along the loaf of bread. Bake bread until bread is golden and sounds hollow when you tap on it, about 25 minutes.