French Bread

We have already discussed that I like bread and I like to bake it. The smell of fresh bread baking, especially on a chilly day, is just one of the best things ever. I got this recipe years and years ago...before I had children as a matter of fact, from a nurse I worked with a Mountain View Hospital in Payson, Utah. I worked at the old Payson Hospital, too, before there was a Mountain View Hospital and still remember moving patients from one hospital to the other when they finished building it. I've never used any other recipe for French bread. Oh, and if you're wondering about the pan in the second picture, it's a perforated French bread pan. It's supposed to help give it a nice, crisp crust. 

French Bread

• 1 Tablespoon yeast
• 1 1/2 cups very warm water
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (although you can use olive oil)
• 4 cups flour

Mist the sugar and yeast. Add water, salt, oil and flour. Mix well and knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Let rise in a greased bowl for about an hour. Shape into desired loaf. You can make it traditional-shaped like these pictured or you could make it round. Place on a greased baking sheet or in a French loaf pan like you see here. 

You can make slashes across the top like you see here or you can leave it plain. Totally up to you. Let rise about 30 minutes and then bake in a preheated 375° oven for 25-30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 1 large loaf. I have split the dough to make 2 smaller loaves in these pictures.

Now, if you're looking for some really good garlic spread to go on this:

• 1/2 cup butter, very soft
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup mixed fresh parsley (dried will work fine, but use only a Tablespoon or so)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat broiler. Slice bread to desired thickness. Mix together all ingredients and spread on sliced bread. Broil slices on a baking sheet until golden. 

Comments

[Lil Sis]

Fresh bread really is the best!