Homemade French Bread

This was my first time making bread and we loved it! We had it with lasagna the first night and then made french bread pizza's the next night.

5-6 all-purpose flour

5 t active dry yeast

2 t salt (sea salt is wonderful)

2 c. warm water (110 degrees)

1 T Butter, melted

1 egg white

1 T Water

In a large bowl, or your kitchen aid, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, and salt. I just mixed it with a spoone. Stir in 2 cups warm water and melted butter, with your dough hook attachment. Beat until well blended. As your mixer is mixing, stir in the rest of the flour.

Knead in your mixer for 8 mintues on low speed until you have a stiff dough that is smooth and elastic. If you are not using a mixer, place dough on your counter and knead for 10 mintues. Shape into a ball. Place dough in a greased bowl, and turn over. Cover and let rise until doubled in size (about 30-60 minutes)
Punch dough down and divide in half. Turn out dough onto your counter, lightly floured. Let rest for 10 mintues. Roll each half into a large rectangle.

Roll up, starting from long side. Moisten edge with water and seal. Taper ends in.

Grease a large baking sheet. Place loaves, seam side down, on the baking sheet. With a sharp knife, mkae 3-4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep across the top of each loaf. Lightly beat the egg white with 1 T water and brush on top of each loaf. Cover with a damp cloth. Let rise until nearly doubled, about 35-45 minutes.

Bake in a preheated 375 degree over for 20 minutes. Brush again with egg white mixture. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. If necessary, cover loosely with tin foil to prevent over browning.

Add ins: If you want to make flavored bread, before rolling the dough you can add in:

Butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese for garlic bread or

Butter, cinnamon, and suger for cinnamon bread or

cheddar or mozzarella cheese for cheese bread