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French Bread Recipe

"My husband game me a bread machine for Christmas the year we were married, and I use it about once a week," notes Janet Vink from Geneseo, Illinois. "We like slices of this bread with a spaghetti dinner and often use the leftovers for French toast."

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French Bread Recipe

Prep: 20 min. + rising Bake: 20 min.

Yield: 32 Servings

20 20 40

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups water (70° to 80°)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3-1/2 cups bread flour
1-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon cornmeal
GLAZE:
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted, optional

Directions

In bread machine pan, place the first five ingredients in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).
When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Roll each portion into a 10-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal.
Sprinkle a greased baking sheet with cornmeal; place loaves seam side down on prepared pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes.
Whisk egg and water; brush over loaves. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 slice) equals 50 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 7 mg cholesterol, 77 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 2 g protein.

Originally published as French Bread in Quick Cooking January/February 2004, p65

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French Bread

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Reviewed on Nov. 09, 2012 by germanycook

First recipe I tried besides my standard french bread recipe - this was very easy to make and so good! And the egg wash, slashes and sesame seeds really make it look gorgeous :)

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2012 by IslandWife

Wow! This recipe was so easy - I was skeptical, but it turned out great! I will be making this many times. My husband loved it and was very impressed that my homemade french bread turned out like the bakery!

Reviewed on Aug. 22, 2012 by DianeCDavis

This is the best french bread recipe! I originally found it on another site and it disappeared. I contacted the site and they told me I could find it here. Made my day!!

Reviewed on Oct. 03, 2011 by kg6400

This is a keeper!

Reviewed on Feb. 03, 2011 by tpholland

This bread turned out perfectly, & was very simple to make. I doubt I'll ever buy French Bread again.