Bread doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating to make at home. There are so few ingredients that go into making bread at home, that you really can’t go very wrong. And it’s so rewarding to make your very own bread in your own kitchen and of course even more satisfying to eat! When you feel that soft dough in your hands, smell the fresh yeast aroma through the house and hear that crispy crunch, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this sooner!

INGREDIENTS:

• 500g (4 cups) All Purpose Flour
• 350ml (1½ cups) Warm Water (37°C – not boiling water, just warm to the touch as too hot will kill the yeast)
• 5g (1½) teaspoons Yeast
• 2 teaspoons Salt

HOW TO MAKE FRENCH BAGUETTES:

In a bowl, add the flour, salt and yeast. Add the water and mix with the back of a wooden spoon as it is very sticky at this point.

If you are using a stand mixer, add the flour and salt and then add the yeast and water. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on medium-low speed until the dough becomes smooth and resembles a creamy dough. (the dough is very sticky at this stage)

Brush a large bowl with some vegetable oil and place the dough in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place it somewhere warm to rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a floured surface and divide the dough into 2, 3 or 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a 30cm/12 inch rope and place them on a baguette pan or baking tray. Cover them with a tea towel and let them rise until doubled in size, around 1 hour.

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Preheat your oven to 240°C/460°F and place an oven proof dish or skillet on the bottom rack. Place the baguette pan/baking tray on the top shelf and add 1 cup of water or a handful of ice blocks to the dish/pan on the bottom and close the door quickly.

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let them cool for a little while before serving.