Basic French Bread Recipe

This basic French bread recipe is one of my favorites to bake in my pottery
Bread Bakers. This is also my families favorite pizza crust recipe! It has a
wonderful texture and is quick and easy to prepare.

ingredients:            *4 cups of all purpose or unbleached flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
                       2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 package dry yeast
                        1 3/4 cups hot water ( 105-115 deg. f )

* add a little more flour if dough is excessively sticky

In a large bowl measure the flour and mix in the dry yeast and salt. Form a
well in the bottom of the bowl, pour in the water and add the oil. With a
wooden spoon slowly pull the flour into the liquid until it's fully adsorbed.
Work it into a ball with your hands and place on a floured work surface.

The dough should be tacky but not hopelessly sticky. Sprinkle flour on
the work surface and hands, continue to knead the dough for 10 minutes
or until the dough becomes elastic.

Wash the large bowl, grease and place in the dough. Cover tightly with plastic
or damp pastry cloth. Find a warm place for the bowl and allow the dough to
fully expand to double its volume. About 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Turn the dough onto the floured work surface, punch down and knead briefly
to work out air bubbles. divide the dough in half, form round loaves and place
in two greased or spray oiled Bread Baker bowls. Lightly brush olive oil on the
top of the loaves and set back in the warm place while you pre-heat your oven
375 deg.f. In about 20 minutes, or when the dough doubles in size, place in
center of oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until crusts are golden brown.
For a shiny bright crust, brush with egg whites.
Let cool on rack and enjoy!

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Links to more bread recipes
	Orange Cranberry Nut Bread