Breads Recipes - French Bread

Ingredients

Makes 2 loaves

• 15ml/1 tbsp active dried yeast

• 475ml/2 Cups lukewarm water

• 15ml salt

• 850-900g/1lb or 3 cups plain flour

• Semolina or flour, for sprinkling

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Method:

1. In a large bowl, combine the yeast and water, stir, and leave for 15 minutes. Stir in the salt.

2. Add the flour, 150g/5oz/1 1/4cups at a time, to obtain a smooth dough. Knead for 5 minutes.

3. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl and cover with a plastic bag. Leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2-4 hours.

4. On a lightly floured surface shape into two long loaves. Place on a baking sheet sprinkled with semolina or flour and leave to rise for 5 minutes.

5. Score the tops diagonally with a sharp knife. Brush with water and place in a cold oven. Place a pan of boiling water on the base of the oven and set the oven to 200C/400F/ Gas 6. Bake until crusty and golden, about 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.