Your breadmaking machine can be a great tool to get you started with a loaf of fresh French bread. Then you take it out at the last rise and shape it into your typical French bread shape and you have a great loaf of French bread! I was inspired by this French Bread by - Jen.
Equipment
Breadmaking machine
Ingredients
1 ½CupsWater 80-90℉
2teaspoonsSalt
2TablespoonsWheat germ or Professional dough improver
1teaspoonSugar
4CupsBread Flour
2 ¼teaspoonsInstant Yeast or 1 packet
Instructions
Make sure to add all of the ingredients according to your bread makers instructions. For mine, it's liquid and oil on the bottom, flour in the middle, and yeast and sugar on top.
Start the machine on the French Bread setting and let it go through its settings for mixing the dough.
After the last rising stage, take out the bread dough and shape it into a loaf and cut 3 slits onto the top of the bread.
Add water in an oven safe dish to the bottom rack (this allows the bread to get a nice crust) then place the bread on its baking sheet on the top rack.
Cook at 425° F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Allow to cool then slice and eat!
Notes
Ours turned out a little dense and bready, so the next time we make it I might try adding a little less flour.