french bread.

french bread

(makes 2 small loaves or 1 big one)

ingredients:

2 1/4 tsp. yeast

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 tbs. honey

3 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp. salt

3 tbs. olive oil

cornmeal

1 egg white

1. mix the yeast with the water & honey. let sit for a couple of minutes.

2. combine half of the flour with the salt & olive oil. add in the yeast mixture. add in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time. now would also be the time to add anything like rosemary or garlic or sunflower seeds or whatever sounds yummy.

3. knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until smooth & elastic. place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, & let rise for 30 minutes.

4. punch the dough (best part of the whole process) & form loaves. slash them or braid them or do whatever you want to 'em. sprinkle corn meal on baking sheet & place loaves on top. cover & let rise for another 30 minutes.

5. preheat the oven to 400 degrees. beat the egg white until foamy, & brush over the tops of the loaves. bake for about 25-35 minutes, depending on size of loaf. just watch 'em & take them out when they look perfectly golden brown.