Best 2 Fabulous French Loaves Recipes

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In the heart of every French bakery lies the art of crafting the perfect baguette. This long, thin loaf of bread, with its crispy crust and airy interior, is a symbol of French culinary excellence. Many have embarked on the quest to replicate this delicacy in their own kitchens, often resulting in dense, chewy loaves that fall short of the bakery standard. However, with the right recipe, careful technique, and a touch of patience, it is possible to create fabulous french loaves that rival those found in the heart of Paris. This article will provide you with the guidance you need to master the art of making french loaves, ensuring that you impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

FABULOUS FRENCH LOAVES



Fabulous French Loaves image

Just like I'd buy in the stores! Makes a great garlic bread. Mixing it will give your arm a workout, so use a sturdy spoon!

Provided by Liz Langston

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     White Bread Recipes

Time 2h45m

Yield 30

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
½ cup warm water (110 degrees F)
2 cups water
6 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 egg white, beaten
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with 2 cups water, 3 cups flour, salt, sugar and vegetable oil; stir well to combine. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
  • Divide dough half. Roll each half into a 9 x 12 rectangle and roll up jelly roll style, starting at long edge. Seal edges and place seam side down on a large baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal.
  • Use a sharp knife to slash each loaf diagonally 3 times. Brush with beaten egg white and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover and allow to rise 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 27.3 calories, Carbohydrate 1.1 g, Fat 2.5 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 234.8 mg, Sugar 0.4 g

FABULOUS FRENCH LOAVES



FABULOUS FRENCH LOAVES image

Categories     Game     Bread

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 packets (.25 ounce) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (100 degreese F)
2 cups water
6 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 egg white, beaten
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with 2 cups water, 3 cups flour, salt, sugar and vegetable oil; stir well to combine. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes
  • Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
  • Divide dough half. Roll each half into a 9 x 12 rectangle and roll up jelly roll style, starting at long edge. Seal edges and place seam side down on a large baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal.
  • Use a sharp knife to slash each loaf diagonally 3 times. Brush with beaten egg white and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover and allow to rise 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips:

  • Use bread flour: Bread flour is a high-protein flour that will give your baguettes a chewy texture and a crispy crust.
  • Autolyse the dough: Autolyse is a process of mixing the flour and water together and letting it rest for a period of time. This allows the flour to absorb the water and develop gluten, which will make the dough easier to work with and will result in a more flavorful baguette.
  • Knead the dough properly: Kneading the dough is an important step in the bread-making process. It helps to develop the gluten in the dough, which will give the baguette its structure and texture. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
  • Proof the dough twice: Proofing the dough is a process of letting it rise. The first proof is done after the dough has been kneaded. The second proof is done after the dough has been shaped into baguettes. Proofing the dough allows the yeast to work and produce gases, which will make the baguette light and airy.
  • Score the baguettes: Scoring the baguettes is a decorative technique that also helps the bread to rise evenly. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in the top of the baguettes before baking.
  • Bake the baguettes at a high temperature: Baguettes should be baked at a high temperature (450 degrees Fahrenheit) for a short period of time (15-20 minutes). This will give the baguettes a crispy crust and a chewy interior.

Conclusion:

Making baguettes at home is a rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can create delicious, crusty baguettes that will impress your friends and family. So next time you're in the mood for some fresh-baked bread, give this recipe a try!

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