Baguette

Recipe Instructions

1. 1

   Combine flour, yeast, and water in a large bowl and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

2. 2

   Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 20 minutes.

3. 3

   Add salt to the dough and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes by hand.

4. 4

   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

5. 5

   Gently deflate the dough and divide it into two equal parts.

6. 6

   Shape each part into a long cylinder and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. 7

   Cover the loaves with a clean cloth and let them rise again until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.

8. 8

   Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius) and place a pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam.

9. 9

   Make several diagonal slashes on the top of each loaf just before baking.

10. 10

    Bake the baguettes for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.

11. 11

    Cool on a wire rack before slicing.