Classic French Bread

This bread is best when eaten the same day it's baked. If you have any left over, do as the French do: Use it to make French toast or a bread pudding.

Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 1 (1 1/2-ounce) slice)

Ingredients

• 1  package dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons)
• 1  cup  warm water (105° to 115°)
• 3  cups  bread flour
• 1  teaspoon  salt
• Cooking spray
• 1  tablespoon  water
• 1  large egg white

Preparation

Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes.

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Place the flour and salt in a food processor, and pulse 2 times or until blended. With the food processor on, slowly add yeast mixture through food chute, and process until the dough forms a ball. Process for 1 additional minute. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 4 to 5 times.

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover dough, and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Punch dough down, and shape into a 6-inch round loaf. Place loaf on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cover dough and let rise 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Preheat oven to 450°.

Uncover dough, and make 3 diagonal cuts 1/4-inch deep across top of loaf using a sharp knife. Combine 1 tablespoon water and egg white, and brush mixture over top of loaf. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Note: To make a baguette, let the bread dough rise once. Punch dough down, and roll into an 18 x 9-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Roll up the dough starting at the longer edge, pressing down firmly to eliminate any air pockets; then pinch seam and edges to seal. Cover the dough, let rise, and bake according to the recipe instructions at left.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

127 (5% from fat)

Fat:

0.7g (sat 0.1g,mono 0.1g,poly 0.3g)

Protein:

4.6g

Carbohydrate:

25.1g

Fiber:

0.2g

Cholesterol:

0.0mg

Iron:

1.6mg

Sodium:

200mg

Calcium:

6mg