Quick French Baguette
Why spend money for fancy bread when it’s easy to make and requires no extra ingredients. You don’t even need a well stocked bakers pantry to make a baguette!
Baguettes are a staple in France, and it’s easy to see why. They are excellent to pair with soup, saucy dishes or appetizers
All you need is
2 cups warm water
2 tsp sugar
2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1 TBSP of oil
5 1/2 cups of flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
and an egg white to make an egg wash
Here’s the secret: toss a couple of ice cubes in the bottom of the oven when you put the bread in for the first 12 minutes. The humidity will help create the crispy crust!
Activate the yeast with sugar and warm water, gently mix and let is stand for 5 minutes, yeast will be frothy.
Add the oil, salt and 4 cups of flour. Mix well. Continue to add small amounts of flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead for 5 minutes, then cover and rest for 90 minutes.
Separate the dough and form 2 baguettes on a greased sheet pan. Slice diagonoal cuts into the top of each baguette, cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Pre heat the oven to 415F
Toss a couple of ice cubes into the bottom of the oven, bake for 12 minutes, pull out and brush with the egg white, bake additional 8 minutes
Let it rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.