FRENCH BREAD

FRENCH BREAD - warm from the oven!

This bread is so delicious and unbelievably easy to make.  Don't worry if you don't have a pan like this, you can use a cookie sheet.  I first came across this recipe while watching The Food Nanny.  Just last month I finally tried it out and HEAVEN HELP ME it's good.  Everyone loved it so much we had to make it the next night too. 

FRENCH BREAD

recipe from The Food Nanny

1 1/2 c. warm water

1 1/2 Tbsp yeast

2 tsp. sugar

3 1/4 c. flour

2 tsp. salt

Combine 1/2 c. of the water, yeast and 1 tsp. of the sugar in a bowl, let stand 5 minutes until bubbly.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, remaining sugar and yeast mixture.  Add the rest of the water and mix (I just used a spoon).  Pour out on a floured counter and knead briefly.  Cut the dough in half and shape into two long loaves.  Place on a greased baguette pan or cookie sheet and gently score the top of the bread with a sharp knife.  Let rise under a towel for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and place a shallow pan of water in the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.  Bake for 15 minutes.  

Optional: melted butter 

you can brush the tops with butter half way through baking 

OR brush with butter after they come out of the oven for a softer crust

I brushed it with butter out of the oven the first night, but the second I opted to omit the butter. 

Heaven!