Kittencal's French Bread/Baguette (Kitchen Aid Mixer Stand Mixer

This recipe will make two loaves of the *best* French bread you will ever have, I have been making this for years with perfect results every time, sometimes it is not the ingredients used but the method used that will make for perfect results, this is my way to a create the perfect French bread! --- you will need some cornmeal for the pan and an egg white for brushing on the top of the loaves, also about 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds --- make certain to have the two separated cups of water at the right temperature or your bread will not turn out properly, two .25-ounce packages of yeast will be fine for this recipe --- NOTE use 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon of active dry yeast OR 2 small packages/envelopes of active dry yeast

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Attach the dough hook to heavy duty stand mixer.

Step 2

In a small cup or bowl mix 1 teaspoon sugar into 1 cup warm water until combined.

Step 3

Stir in 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast and mix gently.

Step 4

Cover the cup and allow to proof until foamy (about 8 minutes, if the yeast does not foam discard and make again).

Step 5

Place 5-1/2 cups flour in the stainless steel mixing bowl along with the salt, sugar and 5 tablespoons oil.

Step 6

After the yeast has proofed add to the bowl along with remaining 1 cup warm water.

Step 7

Start kneading process adding in more flour a tablespoon at a time as needed to create a soft smooth semi-sticky dough (kneading should take about 8 minutes).

Step 8

Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface; cover with a clean tea towel and let rest for 3 minutes (this is important, allow to sit for 3 minutes).

Step 9

Oil a large deep bowl.

Step 10

Gather up the dough and gently knead into a ball (the dough will come together easily after resting).

Step 11

Place the dough into the bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 12

Punch down the dough and remove to a lightly floured surface.

Step 13

Divide the dough evenly in half.

Step 14

Cover both pieces of dough and allow to rest for 5 minutes (this will make shaping the dough easier).

Step 15

Roll each dough into about a 9 x 12-inch rectangle, then roll up jelly-roll fashion starting at long edge.

Step 16

Seal edges and seam of each loaf.

Step 17

Grease a large jelly-roll pan then sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons cornmeal.

Step 18

Place the two long shaped loaves onto the pan seam-side down spacing apart.

Step 19

Using a razor blade or a small sharp knife slash each loaf 3 times diagonally.

Step 20

In a small cup whisk an egg white then brush over each loaf.

Step 21

Sprinkle the tops with about 2 teaspoons seasme seeds for each loaf.

Step 22

Cover with a clean tea towel and allow to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Step 23

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 24

Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 25

Can forgo the egg white in favor of a brush of butter.

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