Baguette

PREPARATION      10 minutes
COOK TIME           30 minutes
SERVINGS             Makes 3 Baguettes

Ingredients
3-1/2 to 4 cups           00 flour or All Purpose Flour
(437 – 500 g)
(start with 3 1/2 cups of flour, if dough is too sticky, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour)
1-1/2 cups                 Warm Water
1-1/2 tsp                    Yeast
1 tsp                          Sugar
2 tsp                          Salt

Preparation
1) Add sugar and yeast in a small bowl and set aside for about 5 minutes to proof.

2) Add flour yeast, sugar and salt in the bowl of a standing mixer .

3) Mix on medium-low speed for about 6 to 7 minutes or until a smooth and somewhat creamy looking dough is formed. (dough will be extremely sticky at this point)

4) Oil a large bowl with some vegetable oil and place the dough in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place it in a warm corner to rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.

5) Dump dough on a floured surface and cut into 3 equal pieces, roll each piece into a 12 inch rope and place them on baguette pan.

6) Cover with a towel and let them rise until doubled (about one hour).

7) Preheat the oven to 475 deg F (246 deg C), place a cast iron skillet on the bottom rack in the oven.

8) Place the baguette pan on the top shelf, quickly add 1 cup of water to the pan and shut the oven door immediately.

9) Let them bake for about 30 minutes or until crispy and brown.

10) Allow them to cool a bit before serving.

Homemade Baguette Recipe
Laura Vitale