Quick French Bread *
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Source
Author: Bob and Robin Young
Source: Adapted from the "Idaho Statesman", February 2008
Web Page: www.rockinrs.com
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Oven Temperature: 425°F
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Servings
Yield: 1 Country Loaf or 2 Baguettes
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Recipe Type
Bread
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Ingredients
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3½
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c
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unbleached All-Purpose flour
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2¼
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t
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Dry Active Yeast
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2
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t
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Salt
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2
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T
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Butter, unsalted and at room temperature
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2¼
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c
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Water, 100° - 105°F
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1
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Combine flour, yeast, butter and salt in a mixer bowl with a dough hook attached. Add warm water all at once. Stop the mixer, if necessary, and scrap down the sides to incorporate all the flour.
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2
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When all is incorporated, knead for about 3 minutes. The dough should begin to form a soft ball and tend to climb up the hook. The dough will be soft.
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3
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Shape dough into a ball. Place in a lightly oiled - or buttered - bowl and let rise at 70° - 80°F until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
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Making One Loaf
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1
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Gently shape the dough into a single loaf. Place on a lightly oiled baking stone.
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Making Two Baguettes
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1
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Cut the dough in half and gently shape each half into a small log. Place in the Baguette Pan that has been lightly oiled and lightly dusted with cornmeal. Gently stretch each log to fit into the pan.
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Final Rise and Baking
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1
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Let rise at 70° - 80°F covered until doubled, about 1 hour.
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2
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Pre-heat the oven to 425°F. Bake the bread until done, 30 to 45 minutes. Internal temperature should be about 190°F. Crust will be golden brown and firm.
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Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
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Tips
The dough is 53% hydrated at 100% flour. The yeast is .075%.
<1.25 # = 2 Baguettes
>1.25 and <1.50 # = 2 Italian Baguettes or 2 small loaves
>.1.5 # = 2 large loaves
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