french bread

How To Make french bread

• Step 1
  In a mixing bowl, with a wire whisk, stir together 1 cups of the bread flour, the yeast, and salt.
• Step 2
  Add warm water to the mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping the sides of the bowl constantly.
• Step 3
  Increase speed to high and continue to beat for 3 minutes.
• Step 4
  Using a large spoon, stir remaining flour and 1 cup cold water.
• Step 5
  Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, adding flour a little at a time to make a stiff dough until smooth and elastic.
• Step 6
  Shape the dough into a small ball and place in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat the whole ball. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm location about an hour or until doubled in size.
• Step 7
  Punch dough down and turn onto a lightly floured surfface. Cover with damp cloth again and let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes
• Step 8
  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Step 9
  In the meantime, spray a 10x15 pan with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle with a bit of cornmeal.
• Step 10
  Roll dough into a 10x15 inch rectangle. Roll up jelly roll fashion, starting from long side. Cut into two loaves and seal ends and pull slightly to taper.
• Step 11
  Place the rolls seam side down on the 10x15 inch prepared pan.
• Step 12
  In a small bowl, beat together the egg white and tablespoon of water with a wire whisk until blended well. Brush the loaves with the egg white mixture.
• Step 13
  Bake in oven for 20 minutes.
• Step 14
  Brush again with more of the egg white mixture, continue to bake 15-20 minutes more. Remove bread from pan and cool on wire racks.
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