World French Bread

French Bread Recipe: How to Make Traditional French Bread

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

French bread is a classic staple in French cuisine, known for its crispy crust and soft interior. This recipe for World French Bread will transport you to a Parisian bakery with its delicious aroma and taste.

History

French bread has a long history dating back to the 18th century when the French government regulated the weight and price of bread. The traditional baguette we know today became popular in the 19th century and has since become a symbol of French culture.

Ingredients

1 package of dry yeast
1 cup of warm water (105°-115°F (46°C))
1 cup of boiling water
1 tbsp of shortening
1 egg white
2 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of sugar
6 cups of sifted all-purpose flour

How to prepare

Mix the yeast in warm water.
Let it stand for 5 minutes and stir.
Pour the boiling water over the shortening, salt, and sugar, and mix well.
Add 0.75 cup of cold water and cool it to lukewarm (about 105°-115°F or 46°C).
Add the yeast.
Gradually mix in enough flour to form a stiff dough.
Turn out the dough on a floured board and knead until it becomes smooth and shiny.
Put the dough in a greased bowl and turn it to grease the top.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
Shape the dough into two oblong loaves, each about 14 inches long.
Place the loaves on a greased cookie sheet and let them rise for 1 hour.
Brush the loaves with the beaten egg whites.
Using a knife, make three slashes on each loaf.
Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
This recipe makes 2 loaves.

Variations

Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a flavorful twist.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the loaves before baking for added texture.
Mix in grated cheese or olives for a savory version of French bread.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use warm water to activate the yeast properly.

- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and shiny for the best texture.

- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure it doubles in size.

- Brushing the loaves with beaten egg whites will give them a shiny crust.

- Slashing the loaves before baking helps them expand and rise evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve World French Bread warm with butter or cheese for a delicious snack or alongside a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough until smooth and shiny is essential for a light and airy texture.

- Letting the dough rise twice ensures a fluffy interior and crispy crust.

- Baking the loaves at a high temperature initially creates a crispy crust, while reducing the heat allows the bread to bake through evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use active dry yeast instead of dry yeast, but make sure to activate it in warm water first.

- Olive oil can be used instead of shortening for a healthier option.

- Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for World French Bread ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the loaves.

Presentation Ideas

Serve World French Bread on a rustic wooden board with a bread knife for a charming presentation. You can also wrap the loaves in a linen cloth for a traditional touch.

Pairing Recommendations

World French Bread pairs well with a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, cheeses, and charcuterie. It also makes a delicious base for sandwiches or toast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover World French Bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of World French Bread contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of World French Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of World French Bread contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of World French Bread contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

World French Bread is a good source of iron and B vitamins.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and eggs.

Summary

World French Bread is a low-fat, high-carbohydrate bread that provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

World French Bread is a classic recipe that brings the flavors of France into your home. With a crispy crust and soft interior, this bread is perfect for any meal or occasion. Enjoy the taste of Paris with this delicious recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a recipe that caught my attention - World French Bread.

I had always loved baking bread, but I had never attempted to make French bread before. The thought of creating a loaf that was crusty on the outside and soft on the inside was both daunting and exciting. I knew I had to give it a try.

The recipe was simple enough, calling for just a few basic ingredients - flour, water, yeast, salt, and a touch of sugar. But the real magic, as I soon discovered, lay in the technique. The key to making the perfect French bread, I learned, was in the process of kneading the dough.

I set to work, mixing the ingredients together and then turning the sticky mass out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, I began to knead the dough, pressing and folding, pressing and folding. As I worked, the dough slowly transformed from a rough, shaggy mess into a smooth, elastic ball.

I could feel the excitement building as I shaped the dough into a long, slender loaf and placed it on a baking sheet to rise. The dough seemed to come alive, growing and expanding before my eyes. I watched in awe as it doubled in size, ready to be baked to golden perfection.

As I slid the loaf into the hot oven, the scent of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen. I could hardly contain my excitement as I waited for the timer to ding, signaling that my creation was ready.

When I pulled the loaf out of the oven, I knew I had done it. The crust was crisp and crackling, the interior soft and chewy. It was the most beautiful loaf of bread I had ever seen, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

As we sat down to dinner that evening, I proudly presented my World French Bread to my loved ones. The crust crackled as I sliced into it, revealing the soft, pillowy interior. My family's eyes widened in delight as they took their first bites, savoring the flavor of the warm, freshly baked bread.

From that moment on, World French Bread became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and everyday meals alike, delighting in the process of creating something so delicious from just a handful of simple ingredients.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect my recipe for World French Bread, tweaking and adjusting it to suit my tastes. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of homemade bread to a new generation.

As I look back on that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe for World French Bread, I am filled with gratitude for the joy it has brought into my life. Baking bread has become more than just a hobby - it is a passion, a way of connecting with my loved ones and preserving a cherished tradition.

And so, I continue to knead, shape, and bake, creating loaves of bread that bring comfort and joy to all who taste them. The recipe for World French Bread may have come from a dusty old cookbook, but the memories and moments it has brought me will last a lifetime.