Today . . .
the news stated that at least 1 glass of wine a day, will make women healthier.
A can of beer, will help ward off Kidney Stones and make your brain more alert.
Dad, I guess you need to drink beer – he just had surgery to remove some big ones!
I don’t drink . . . neither does Dad.
I’m counting on the news telling me that homemade bread will make us
Smarter, leaner & get rid of wrinkles!
So I made bread . . . just in case.
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Another sweet friend of mine had a bit of surgery today.
I thought cheesy lasagna, fresh bread and Apple Raspberry crisp . . . would make her heal much quicker.
French Bread is not difficult to make, especially if you have a stand mixer with a dough hook.
This recipe comes from The Sisters Cafe – it’s their Grandma’s recipe.
Grandmothers always have the best recipes, so I figured this recipe was for me.
This recipe is easy and straight forward.
It makes 2 nice loaves of french bread.
Once you finish making the dough . . . plop it down on a floured surface.
Split the dough in half.
Roll it out into a 9×13 rectangle . . . or darn close to it.
Roll dough up, starting from long edge of loaf to seal.
The seam will need to be at the bottom.
Now repeat all those steps with the other half of the dough.
I lined a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sprinkle the paper lightly with cornmeal or grease it lightly.
Place your loaves of bread – seam side down on one cookie sheet.
With a sharp knife, cut 3 gashes at an angle on the top of each.
Cover lightly with a clean towel and let rise for about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Take 1 egg + 1 tablespoon of water and whisk it together.
Brush the egg wash lightly across the top of each loaf.
NOTE: For a crustier loaf, a pan of hot water may be set on bottom rack of oven while bread is baking . . . which I did!
Bake for about 30 minutes or until done . . . make sure the bottom is a bit golden as well.
Let cool on wire rack.
Smell . . . Smell . . . this bread will make you happy, even if it doesn’t make you wrinkle free.
French Bread
2 ¼ c. warm water
3 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp yeast
1 Tbsp salt
2 Tbsp oil
5 ½ -6 cups flour-stirred before measured
Directions:
First dissolve sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let this proof—or sit for a few minutes until it bubbles. Then add salt, oil and 3 cups of flour and beat well (At this point I switch to my dough/kneading attachment on my Bosch mixer) Add in 2 1/2 -3 more cups of flour. The dough should clean off the sides of the bowl and not be too sticky. Knead for a few minutes. Leave the dough in the mixer to rest for 10 minutes and then stir it down (turn on your mixer for 10 seconds) and then allow to rest another 10 minutes. Repeat for a total of 5 times. Then turn dough onto a floured surface and knead it 2 or 3 times to coat with flour. Divide into 2 equal parts. Roll each part into a 9×13 rectangle. Roll dough up, starting from long edge of loaf to seal. Arrange seam side down on large baking sheet that’s been sprinkled with corn meal, allowing room for both loaves. Repeat with second part of dough. With a sharp knife, cut 3 gashes at an angle on the top of each. Cover lightly; allow to rise 30 minutes. Brush entire surface with egg wash (one egg beaten slightly with 1 Tbsp of water). If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 30 minutes at 375. Cool on wire rack
NOTE: For a crustier loaf, a pan of hot water may be set on bottom of oven while bread is baking.
*Recipe adapted from The Sisters Cafe
by Get Off Your Butt and BAKE
Mary - I have ever only really made pizza dough, and rolls. I was intimidated to try this, but, my God, was it EASY!! My house smells amazing and the bread looks better than any bakery!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!August 11, 2012 – 8:01 pm
BP - I just made this recipe this morning. It was so easy and SO delicious. Thank you!March 31, 2012 – 12:51 pm
Bela - Just made some, it’s really tasty, especially when it’s warm. Best bread I’ve ever eaten <3March 18, 2012 – 6:29 am
Suzanne Perazzini - I’m with you on finding foods that eliminate wrinkles. I will keep you informed if I crack this tough nut. That bread is a good start for putting you in the right frame of mind for the adventure.March 16, 2012 – 2:27 am
Nicole - So easy! Made this tonight, thank you. I was delicious!!!March 15, 2012 – 8:12 pm
Michael Malone - I made this recipe this morning and it was some of the best French Bread I’ve tasted !! It could actually make 3 slender loafs. Thanks for sharing the recipe !!March 15, 2012 – 12:34 pm
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar - When I lived in Switzerland we would just buy a baguette in the morning and throw it in our backpacks as we walked to work. I never could get sick of French bread. It’s lovely!March 15, 2012 – 4:23 am
Lynn - Ouch! So sorry your dad is going through that. Not fun at all!
I agree….let’s all have some fresh bread. LOVE this. Can’t wait to try it.March 14, 2012 – 11:25 pm
Jessica - Looks delicious! I love french bread so much!March 14, 2012 – 9:24 pm
Jonna - I’M WITH YOU KATIE!
Thanks for visiting & leaving a comment.
JonnaMarch 14, 2012 – 7:45 pm
Katie @ Katie Without Restrictions - Let’s pretend that fresh-baked bread cures all our ills. I will if you will!March 14, 2012 – 7:27 pm