French bread, also known as baguette, is a well-known bakery item that can be found in many markets across the United States. This bread has a distinct thin texture and is typically made with lean dough, making it a popular option for health-conscious people. A loaf of French bread has a soft and spongy interior, while the exterior is characterized by its thick and crispy crust. It’s commonly used as a base ingredient in various dishes, such as homemade garlic bread.
While French bread is not a traditional Filipino recipe, Janis’s husband Lynley’s homemade French bread is worth mentioning. It’s always exciting to see family members take an interest in baking, and Lynley’s almost perfect and delicious, hommade French bread recipe or French Baguette is no exception. Despite not being a Filipino dish, it’s a testament to the joy and satisfaction of trying out new recipes and experimenting with different culinary traditions.
Ingredients: yields 2 French breads
5-6 cups of all purpose-flour
1 tsp of salt
2 tbsp. of white sugar
1 tbsp. active yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 egg
Baking Preparation:
- Using an automatic mixer, gradually combine ingredients starting with the yeast, warm water and sugar. Leave it for 10-15 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
- Pour 5 cups of all-purpose flour next, add 3 tbsp. of olive oil, then top it with salt. Do not allow the salt to mix with the yeast right away. This will interrupt the yeast to activate properly.
- Turn the mixer on to start mixing all ingredients, starting from a low level speed to 2nd level speed. Gradually apply the remaining cup of flour as the mixing goes. This will give you the desired form of dough you will need to make a perfect French bread.
- Turn off the mixer and check to see if bread mixture no long sticks to your fingers. If so, continue to knead as you apply the rest of the flour in tiny portions, but be cautious to not overdo the flour application to avoid the dough from drying. A perfect dough should no longer stick to your fingers and the mixing bowl, and should be soft and fluffily in texture.
- Turn the mixer back on and leave it to knead for 5 more minutes at level 2 speed without adding anymore dry flour. Come back and turn off the mixer. Peel off some of the dough from the mixer hook and remove the bowl from the automatic mixer.
- Cover the bowl with a moist towel and let it sit at room temperature for 20-25 minutes until the French bread recipe dough rises and doubles its size.
- Spread a small portion of the remaining dry flour on a clean dry flat surface, or table. Carefully remove the dough out of the mixing bowl. A relatively clean mixing bowl when you pull the dough out will tell you dough is perfectly ready for the next step.
- Place the French bread recipe dough on the floured surface. Drizzle the empty bowl with olive oil and bring back the dough into the bowl. Roll the dough to coat it with the oil drizzled in the bowl.
- Remove the dough from the mixing bowl once again, and place it back to the floured, flat surface once more. Start to kneading with your hands to form a large round dough, then cut it in 2 halves, using a sharp knife or a bread slicer.
- Separately knead each dough using the rolling pin to incorporate and form a rectangular shape. Close each dough by pulling one edge of it, and rolling it to the other end, tack each edges as you form the rectangular loaf.
- Carefully place each dough on separate slots if you’re using a French bread baking pan. Otherwise, use a large rectangular baking sheet(21 x 15 x 1 inches), place each dough side by side, with about an inch or more spaces in between. Diagonally score or cut the surface of each loaf 3-4 times with a sharp knife.
- Preheat oven to 375F. On a small mixing bowl, crack 1 egg and apply a spoonful of water, then whisk it to combine. Brush the surface of the dough bread with the battered egg. This helps the bread to look beautifully golden brown in color.
- Leave the dough in place for another 30 minutes to let it rise and double its size once more, prior to baking. When ready, place them on the middle rack, throw in 4-6 ice cubes on the bottom of the oven rack, or the bottom of the baking sheet. Ice cubes will produce a moisture in the oven as the dough bakes. This will help produce a thick and crispy crust.
- Bake the French bread for 30-35 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove from the heat, let it cool off for a few minutes prior to slicing and serving. What you’ll get is a golden brown, crispy crusted but soft and smooth, deliciously homemade French bread!
Tip: You can apply additional flavor to your homemade French bread recipe depending on your taste. You can apply some cheese or pretzel salt, a bagel seasoning, or minced roasted garlic. Other flavors can be sun dried tomatoes, rosemary or oregano. Just spread them on top of the bread prior to baking.
