French Bread

This is a nice easy bread recipe and produces 2 loaves of bread, so perfect for a dinner party.

This bread has a lightly firm crust with a soft center.

French Bread

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt and yeast.

Slowly add the water mixing it in thouroughly.

You should have an slightly elastic texture in the dough.

Knead for 8-10 minutes and form into a ball.

Lightly grease a glass or metal bowl with olive oil.

Place the dough in the bowl and cover with a hot, lightly damp towel.

Place in a warm area and light rise till double in size. (1 to 1.5 hours)

Divide dough in half and place on a lightly floured surface.

Cover with a warm, damp cloth for 10 – 15 minutes.

Roll out dough into 2 large rectangles.

Roll each rectangle of dough length wise and seal edge with a little water.

Pinch the ends shut and put 3 thin diagonal slices in each loaf.

Sprinkle a baking sheet with the corn meal and place both loaves on it.

Mix the egg white and water and brush both loaves with it.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place loaves in the oven for 20 minutes.

Bast with half the butter and return to oven for 15 to 20 minutes more until golden.

Remove from oven and bast with remaining butter.

Cool for a few minutes then slice and serve.

Enjoy!