French bread thighs

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

1. **Add Ingredients to Bread Maker:** - Pour the warm water into the bread maker pan. - Add the bread flour on top of the water. - Sprinkle the salt and sugar over the flour. - Make a small well in the center of the flour (but not down to the water) and add the yeast.

Step 2

2. **Select the Dough Cycle:** - Choose the "Dough", number 8, setting on your Hamilton bread maker. This setting will mix, knead, and allow the dough to rise. This usually takes about 1.5 hours.

Step 3

3. **Prepare for Shaping:** - Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread maker.

Step 4

4. **Shape the Dough:** - Lightly flour a clean surface and gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. - Shape the dough into a long loaf or divide it into two smaller loaves (about 12 inches each). - Place the shaped loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5

5. **Second Rise:** - Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let them rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, until they double in size.

Step 6

6. **Preheat the Oven:** - Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 7

7. **Score the Loaves:** - Use a sharp knife to make 3-4 diagonal slashes on the top of each loaf.

Step 8

8. **Bake the Bread:** - Place the loaves in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 9

9. **Cool the Bread:** - Let the loaves cool on a wire rack before slicing. This method allows you to enjoy the convenience of using the bread maker for the dough while still getting the traditional shape and texture of oven-baked French bread.