French Bread

* Exported from MasterCook *

French Bread

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Creole Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
***** NONE *****


1 pk Active dry yeast

1/4 c Water,warm(105-115'F.)

2 tb Butter or margarine,softened

1 tb Sugar

1 ts Salt

3/4 c Water,hot

4 c Flour,all-purpose,sifted

Cornmeal or farina

1 Egg white,lightly beaten

1 tb Water



1. Soften yeast in warm water; let stand 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile combine butter, sugar and salt in large bowl; pour hot water

over mixture.

3. Cool to lukewarm; stir, then blend in 1/2 cup of the flour, beating

until smooth.

4. Stir yeast; add to flour mixture, blending in thoroughly.

5. Add about half the remaining flour and beat until very smooth.

6. Mix in remaining flour to make a soft dough.

7. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; let rest 5 to 10 minutes.

8. Lightly grease deep bowl large enough to allow dough to double.

9. Knead dough; shape into smooth ball and put in greased bowl; turning to

bring greased surface to top.

10. Cover with waxed paper or towel; let stand in warm, draft-free place

until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.

11. Punch down; pull edges to center, then turn dough completely over.

12. Cover; let rise again until almost doubled (about 45 minutes).

13. Meanwhile, grease baking sheet lightly; sprinkle evenly with cornmeal.

14. Punch down dough; turn out onto lightly floured surface.

15. Roll out to 14x8-inch rectangle; roll up rectangle tightly into a long

slender loaf and pinch ends to seal.

16. Place loaf diagonally on prepared baking sheet.

17. With sharp knife, make diagonal slashes at 2-inch intervals.

18. Brush top with part of egg white mixture; cover loosely and let rise in

waram place until doubled in bulk.

19. Brush loaf again with remaining egg wash; bake in preheated 425'F. oven

10 minutes.

20. Brush again with egg wash; reduce temperature to 375'F. and bake 20

minutes longer, or until golden brown.

NOTE: To increase crustiness, place flat pan filled with boiling water in

bottom of oven.





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