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.