Making Bread

A few days ago I wanted to try this bread recipe that I found on Pinterest. It sounded so simple to make, I tweaked it a bit though, and it came out delish! There is something about fresh baked bread...(wipe drool from corner of mouth) Here's the recipe...

Quick & Crusty French Baguettes

• 2 cups very warm water
• 1 packet yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3-4 cups flour (I actually used closer to 5 cups...just go by what feels right)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  

In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar.  Set the bowl on top of your preheating oven for ten minutes.  Stir in the salt and add the flour a half-cup at a time, until the dough becomes soft but not sticky.  

 Knead the dough until elastic.

Cut the dough into four even pieces.  Roll each of them into four long, thin ropes.  

Twist together two of the ropes to form one loaf.  Twist the other two ropes together to form a second loaf.  Transfer both onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (I just sprayed my baking sheet with PAM)

You can now bake the loaf right away (if you’re in a hurry) or allow it to rise for an additional 15-30 minutes on top of your warm oven. (I let it sit and brushed an egg wash on top to make it a more golden color, I also scored the top to release any steam build up)

Now for the SECRET: Fill a large bowl with 3-4 cups of ice.  Open your hot oven and place the baking sheet with the baguettes inside, then toss the ice cubes on the bottom of the oven and quickly shut the door. (Don't do this!!! Put a baking sheet or some kind of oven proof container at the bottom...place it in your oven when it's preheating so it's nice and hot, and the ice will immediately turn to steam) 

**NOTE TO SELF...APPLYING EGG WASH WITH A FORK, JUST DOESN'T WORK GETTING EVEN COVERAGE...GET A BASTING BRUSH!**

Do NOT open your oven for 15 minutes.  Bake until golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.

Serve fresh and hot with your favorite olive oil for dipping or butter. (I baked for 20 minutes, and think it still could've used another 5)

All in all, It was yummy...We devoured them in one day :)

If you would like to see the real recipe, follow me on Pinterest and click on my YUMMMM.... Board 

Happy bread making and baking...

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