The Ultimate French Bread Recipe

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The Ultimate French Bread
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Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 tbsp yeast
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg

Directions:

  1. Add to bread machine according to owner's manual (my machine does liquids first); program for DOUGH or MANUAL.
  2. At the end of the cycle, place on lightly floured surface, rolling into a large rectangle; start at the longest end and roll up tightly, pressing seams and tapering each end, tucking under.
  3. Place loaf on a greased baking sheet or stone; cover and let rise for one hour until doubled.
  4. Near end of rising time, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  5. Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl; brush over loaf generously; snip three diagonal slashes over the top (optional).
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, top will be golden brown.
  7. VARIATIONS: After rolling dough into a rectangle, (1) sprinkle with grated cheese [cheddar is delicious], or (2) generously brush with melted butter & sprinkle some aromatic herbs, or (3) spoon leftover marinara sauce close to the edges, - then roll up tightly and pinch edges; continue as described in Step #3.
  8. VARIATION #2: Mince one small onion (about 1/4 cup) and add to wet ingredients.
  9. CREATIVE SUGGESTION: Shape into a round loaf instead of the usual long loaf.
  10. BABY FRENCH BREAD LOAFLETS: Divide dough ball into 12 balls, tapering to make mini-loaves; bake 15-20 minutes-watch carefully!
  11. FRENCH TWIST: Divide dough into 3 pieces, rolled into 14-16 ropes. Lay them on pan and braid in usual fashion, tuck ends under, stretch out a bit if need be; brush with 2 T. melted butter; cover & rise for about 30 minutes; brush with glaze, bake 20-25 minutes-watch carefully.
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Nutrition Facts

Per ServingPer 100 g
Amount Per 1 Serving
Calories 480.32 Kcal (2011 kJ)
Calories from fat 41.78 Kcal
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4.64g 7%
Cholesterol 81.84mg 27%
Sodium 1040.74mg 43%
Potassium 245.02mg 5%
Total Carbs 90.63g 30%
Sugars 2.05g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2.71g 11%
Protein 18.33g 37%
Iron 5.4mg 30%
Calcium 42mg 4%
Amount Per 100 g
Calories 206.95 Kcal (866 kJ)
Calories from fat 18 Kcal
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 7%
Cholesterol 35.26mg 27%
Sodium 448.42mg 43%
Potassium 105.57mg 5%
Total Carbs 39.05g 30%
Sugars 0.88g 8%
Dietary Fiber 1.17g 11%
Protein 7.9g 37%
Iron 2.3mg 30%
Calcium 18.1mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Find out how many calories should you eat.

Tastes

  • salty
  • savory
  • bitter
  • sweet
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Recipe Tags

Weightwatchers Points

  • 9.5
    Points
  • 12
    PointsPlus

Good Points

  • low fat,
  • saturated fat free

Bad Points

  • High in Sodium

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