French cuisine is one of the best in the world but Nigella Lawson's favourite French food is the simple French bread.
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Even the smallest village has their own boulangerie.
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And in country areas the bread van comes once or twice a week.
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You simply can't beat it in my opinion - perfect with any meal and just heavenly with French cheese!
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That is why for my 1st Food Sunday I am going to share the recipie with you for French bread. I hope you will try it and let me know what you think.
FRENCH BREAD (2
loaves)
Preparation time: 25 min
Cooking time: 30 min
Total time: approximately 180min
Ingredients
250ml (2
cups) warm water
(40 C or 110 F
)
1
tablespoon of
yeast
1
tablespoon of
sugar
2 teaspoons of
salt
625g (5 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
Instructions
Dissolve the
yeast and sugar in the warm water in a large
bowl
Allow
yeast to proof or foam (approximately 10
minutes).
Add 375g (3cups)
flour and salt; beat for 2
minutes
Stir in remaining flour to make a stiff
dough.
Knead the
dough on a lightly floured surface until it smooth and elastic (about 8 -10
minutes).
Place the
dough into a greased bowl ( Use a pastry brush
dipped in melted butter or a light oil ), turning the dough to coat all
surfaces.
Cover the
dough in the bowl (using cling (plastic) film or a damp tea towel) and let it rise until
it has doubled in
size.
Punch down
the dough then divide it in
half.
Shape
dough into two long, thin
loaves.
Grease( Use a pastry brush
dipped in melted butter or a light oil ).
Place
loaves on a baking sheet or in pan or a French bread baking tray and make some light diagonal cuts on top of the
loaves.
Cover and
let rise until each loaf had doubled in
size.
Bake at
190 C (350 F or Gas Mark 5)
for approximately 30
minutes
Note: For a very
crunchy crust, sprinkle or spray water onto the loaves during
baking.
Until next time!
Sacha xx
