The Ultimate French Bread

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• water, beaten
• 1 egg
• milk, beaten

Recipe

• 1 add to bread machine according to owner's manual (my machine does liquids first); program for dough or manual.
• 2 at the end of the cycle, place on lightly floured surface, rolling into a large rectangle; start at the longest end and roll up tightly, pressing seams and tapering each end, tucking under.
• 3 place loaf on a greased baking sheet or stone; cover and let rise for one hour until doubled.
• 4 near end of rising time, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• 5 mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl; brush over loaf generously; snip three diagonal slashes over the top (optional).
• 6 bake for 20-25 minutes, top will be golden brown.
• 7 variations: after rolling dough into a rectangle, (1) sprinkle with grated cheese [cheddar is delicious], or (2) generously brush with melted butter & sprinkle some aromatic herbs, or (3) spoon leftover marinara sauce close to the edges, -- then roll up tightly and pinch edges; continue as described in step #3.
• 8 variation #2: mince one small onion (about 1/4 cup) and add to wet ingredients.
• 9 creative suggestion: shape into a round loaf instead of the usual long loaf.
• 10 baby french bread loaflets: divide dough ball into 12 balls, tapering to make mini-loaves; bake 15-20 minutes--watch carefully!
• 11 french twist: divide dough into 3 pieces, rolled into 14-16" ropes. lay them on pan and braid in usual fashion, tuck ends under, stretch out a bit if need be; brush with 2 t. melted butter; cover & rise for about 30 minutes; brush with glaze, bake 20-25 minutes--watch carefully.