French Bread

Ingredients

    3 cups all-purpose flour

    1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    1 cups warm water 

    1 tablespoon cornmeal

 

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Direction

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast and salt. Stir in water, and knead the dough well or use a  stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

2. Once the dough is smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball. 

3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.

4. Punch the dough down, and divide in half. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

5. Roll each half into large rectangle. 

6. Grease a large baking sheet. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Place loaves

7. Cover with a damp cloth. Let rise until nearly doubled.

8. With a very sharp knife, make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep across top of each loaf ( Sometimes I forget to do this stage).

9. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven for 25 minutes. If necessary, cover loosely with foil to prevent over browning. 

10. Remove from baking sheet, and cool on a wire rack.