Homemade French Bread
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Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 1-2 loaves
 
Ingredients
  • 3⅓ cups bread flour
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup warm water (105° F)
  • A packet of rapid rise instant yeast
  • ½ tablespoon kosher salt
  • ½ tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 egg white, beaten
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar and water.
  2. Allow to rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk flour with salt until mixed evenly.
  4. Pour into bread machine.
  5. Add the remaining water and olive oil, then add the proofed yeast mixture.
  6. Set the bread machine to the dough setting and start (about 80 min.)
  7. After cycle done, punch the dough down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
  8. If you would like two loaves, divide dough and follow process for each loaf.
  9. Form the dough into a rectangle shape with a rolling pin.
  10. Then, roll the dough like a Swiss roll and seal the edges by pinching them together.
  11. Cover with a tea towel and allow to rest (at least 1 hour).
  12. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  13. Lightly beat an egg white in a small bowl then brush on to the surface of the loaves.
  14. Take a very sharp knife and slit the top of the loaf about a ½ inch deep.
  15. Bake for 3 minutes, then lightly mist with water.
  16. Bake another 3 minutes, then mist with water again.
  17. Finally, allow to continue to bake for another 28 to 30 minutes.
Recipe by Today I Might... at http://www.todayimight.com/food/homemade-french-bread/