How to Make French Bread

French bread is a delicious addition to any meal. Some people enjoy eating their favorite sandwich fixings on French bread. Now there is a way to make this bread in your own kitchen. It is an easy, cost effective way to enjoy this fabulous bread.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 6 cups of all purpose flour
• 2 1/2 .25 ounce packages of active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons of salt
• 2 cups of warm water
• 1 tbsp. cornmeal
• 1 tbsp. water
• 1 egg white

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Get out a large mixing bowl and place in it 2 cups of flour, the yeast and the salt. Mix them well.
3. Mix in 2 cups of warm water and combine the mixture until it is well blended using an electric mixer. Use the dough hook attachment to mix better. Use a wooden spoon and stir in as much of the remaining flour as possible.
4. Flour a clean surface and knead your dough using just enough flour to make the stiff dough smooth and elastic. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes and shape it into a ball.
5. Place your dough in a greased bowl. Turn the dough once after it is placed in the bowl. Cover the bowl, put it in a warm place and let it rise until it is double in size. Take out your aggression by punching the dough down. Divide the dough in half. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Again cover and let rise for about 10 minutes.
6. Use a rolling pin and roll each of the halves into a large rectangle. Start from the long side and then moisten the edges with water and seal it. Be sure to taper the ends when done. Sprinkle a large, greased baking sheet with cornmeal. Put the loaves, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Put the egg white into a mixer and beat it lightly, together with 1 tbsp. of water and then brush it on the dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth. Again set it aside and let it rise until it is nearly doubled for about 35 to 40 minutes.
8. Make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep across the top of each loaf, using a very sharp knife. Put the bread in your heated oven for 20 minutes. Take it out and brush it with the egg mixture. Put it back in the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the bread from the baking sheet and cool it on a wire rack. Let cool and then enjoy!