Day 61 French Bread

Day 61 French Bread

There are an endless number of recipes for basic French Bread.  This is the simplest one that I have found from the Homemade Vegan Pantry.

5 Cups All Purpose Flour

2 Teaspoons Sea Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Active Dry Yeast

2 1/4 Cups Water

1.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.  Stir in the water to make a sticky dough.  Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it proof on the counter for 24 hours.

2.  About 1 hour before you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 450 F with a large pizza stone in the oven.  I have had my stone for many years.  It is stained and ugly, but works wonderfully.  Always make sure it is heated up at high heat for at least an hour before use.

3.  Turn for dough onto a floured surface and divide in half.  Roll each piece into a log about 12 inches long. Cover the dough and let rise for an hour.  Brush the tops of the baguettes with water and gently set them on the stone.  Bake for 30 minutes until crusty and brown.  

4. Cool on the counter before storing.  After baking, one loaf can be cooled, wrapped in foil and frozen until ready to eat.