I love making this crusty bread. It could not be any easier I swear...I bought this cookbook years ago...1996. I've made so many great recipes from it including this bread. It's called One Hour Baguette and that's how long it takes...Heres what you need...
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/2 Tbs yeast
1 Tbs. honey
4 cups flour
1 tsp salt
fresh or dried herbs ( I used basil,thyme,rosemary)
cheese (I use parmesan)
In a large bowl combine warm water, yeast, and honey..let sit in a warm spot for about 10 min. or until the yeast looks like this..
Sift the flour and salt over the yeast mix one cup at a time...mix until dough forms a large ball. Knead for a few minutes until smooth. I LOVE to knead don't you? Put a pretty apron on while you do it...
Flour a work space and a rolling pin..cut dough in half and roll out one half to form a rectangle. Scatter herbs and cheese and press into the dough like this...
Gently roll up dough lengthwise into the shape of a baguette. Repeat with second ball of dough. Place the loaves on a well greased baking sheet..cover with clean tea towel and let rise for 20 min. Preheat the oven to 450..lightly brush loaves with olive oil..bake for 20 min. Delish!
