Homemade French Bread
Homemade French Bread Recipe from Haiti with Sesame Seeds
Introduction
French bread is a classic staple in many households, known for its crispy crust and soft interior. This homemade French bread recipe will have you feeling like a professional baker in no time.
History
French bread, also known as baguette, has been a part of French cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in France during the 18th century, with its long and slender shape making it perfect for tearing and dipping into soups and sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 packages of dry yeast
- 2 cups of boiling water
- 0.5 cup of warm water
- 7.5-8 cups of flour
- 2 tbsp of sugar
- 1 beaten egg
- 2 tsp of salt
- 2 tbsp of milk
- 2 tbsp of shortening
- poppy or sesame seeds
How to prepare
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Combine sugar, shortening, salt, and water together and let cool to lukewarm.
- Add the yeast mixture.
- Stir in flour.
- Knead for 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once.
- Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. Then, punch it down and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough in half.
- On a floured surface, roll each half into a 12"x15" rectangle.
- Starting at the 15" edge, roll up the dough.
- Place the loaves on greased cookie sheets and make 4 or 5 diagonal slashes across the tops.
- Let the loaves rise until they double in size.
- Mix the egg and milk together, then brush it on top of the bread.
- If desired, sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds on top.
- Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes.
Variations
- Add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the bread before baking for a cheesy crust.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, which will give the bread its characteristic chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure a light and airy loaf.
- Brushing the bread with an egg wash before baking will give it a shiny, golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this homemade French bread warm with butter or olive oil for dipping, or use it to make sandwiches or bruschetta.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making perfect French bread is to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, and to let it rise until it doubles in size before baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have dry yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. You can also substitute olive oil for the shortening.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the French bread on a wooden cutting board with a bread knife for slicing, or tear it into rustic chunks for a casual presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
French bread pairs well with soups, salads, and pasta dishes. It also makes a great accompaniment to cheese and charcuterie boards.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover French bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this homemade French bread contains approximately 180 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this homemade French bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this homemade French bread contains approximately 2 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of this homemade French bread contains approximately 6 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
French bread is a good source of iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Alergens
This recipe contains wheat and may contain traces of gluten.
Summary
This homemade French bread is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, providing a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
This homemade French bread recipe is a simple and delicious way to bring the flavors of France into your home. With a crispy crust and soft interior, it's perfect for serving with soups, salads, or as a snack on its own. Enjoy the process of making this classic bread and impress your family and friends with your baking skills!
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Homemade French Bread. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and I was always in awe of the delicious meals she would create.
One day, while I was visiting her, I noticed a worn and tattered cookbook sitting on her kitchen counter. Curious, I picked it up and began flipping through the pages. That's when I stumbled upon the recipe that would soon become one of my all-time favorites.
The recipe called for simple ingredients - flour, water, yeast, salt - but the process seemed complex and intimidating. My grandmother noticed my interest and offered to teach me how to make the bread from scratch.
She guided me through each step, showing me how to knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic, how to let it rise until it doubled in size, and how to shape it into a beautiful loaf. I watched in wonder as she expertly scored the top of the bread with a sharp knife before placing it in the oven to bake.
The aroma that filled the kitchen as the bread baked was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When it finally emerged from the oven, golden brown and crusty on the outside, I knew I had found a new passion.
Over the years, I have made this Homemade French Bread countless times, perfecting my technique and adding my own personal touches to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, who always rave about its light, airy texture and crispy crust.
I often think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, when I first discovered the magic of making bread from scratch. It was a simple recipe, but it taught me so much about patience, precision, and the joy of creating something delicious with my own two hands.
Now, whenever I bake a loaf of Homemade French Bread, I feel a connection to my grandmother and all the generations of women who have passed down their knowledge and love of cooking. It's more than just a recipe - it's a link to my past, a reminder of the traditions and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today.
And as I pull a fresh loaf of bread from the oven, the scent filling the air and the memories flooding back, I am filled with gratitude for all the lessons my grandmother taught me, both in and out of the kitchen. The recipe for Homemade French Bread may have come from a cookbook, but the love and wisdom behind it will always be a part of me.