Mama's Making French Bread!

Spaghetti, lasagna or just sub sandwiches. Making french bread from scratch is easy and well worth the little bit of effort.


1 1/4 cups of water (100-120 degrees F.)
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
3 1/2 cups of bread flour
1 tablespoon of active dry yeast

Glaze:

2 tablespoons of hot water
1/2 teaspoon of salt

Put all of the ingredients into bread maker in order. Turn it on to the dough cycle.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle.

Starting with the longest side, roll up tightly, press the seams together to seal and taper the ends.

Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and let rise in a warm place until dough has doubled (about 40 minutes).

About 15 minutes before the loaf is done rising, preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Using a knife, cut four diagnonal slits across the top of the loaf.

Dissolve the salt in the water. Spread on the top of the loaf (Don't be stingy with the glaze).

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a light golden brown.

Garlic Butter Recipe:

1 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Mix all of the ingredients together, cut the warm loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Smear with butter and close back up. Cut in serving size pieces. (If the bread has cooled, just take the already buttered loaf, wrap in aluminum foil, pop it back in a 350 degree F. oven for 6-8 minutes.

So, you see, it's not hard to make french bread with this french bread recipe!