French Bread

I made this french bread when I forgot to pick some up at the store for dinner to serve with Spaghetti. This bread is quite simple and tastes delicious. Try adding in other ingredients, such as, rosemary, oregano or a tbsp of olive oil, to change the taste a bit.

What you will need

1 1/4 cups water brought to 110*

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

3 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp yeast

Glaze

1 egg beaten

1 tbsp water

1 tsp garlic powder

Begin by proofing your yeast in your 110* water and your sugar. Allow to proof for 15 minutes. I like to use my stand mixer for the next steps, you can also use a hand mixer if you have a bread hook, or you may mix by hand. Next you will add in your flour 1/2 cup at a time and your salt. Once your mixture forms a ball, place in an oiled bowl, turning the dough so all sides are coated.

Now, allow your dough to rest covered in a damp towel for about an hour. This allows your bread to rise, it should double in size.

After the hour has passed, punch down your dough to let the air escape. Turn out onto a floured surface. Roll dough into a rectangular shape.

Once your dough is rolled out into a rectangle, begin to roll the dough, starting closest to your body and rolling upward. Once finished, tuck in the outside edges and cut about 4 shallow cuts into the top of your bread.

For rising, allow to sit for another 15 minutes, sitting under a damp towel. Once finished rising, brush with your egg wash mixture and sprinkle the top with your garlic powder. Bake at 375* for approximately 20 minutes.