How To Make Good, Crusty Bread?!
Answers: So, what ingredients do I need to make a loaf of good crusty bread, and how do I go about doing it?
Crusty French Bread
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5-5 1/2 cups bread flour
Dissolve yeast in warm water (110 degrees) and sugar in large bowl; allow yeast to proof or foam (about 10 minutes). Add salt, oil, and 3 cups flour; beat for 2 minutes. Stir in 2 cups flour to make a stiff dough. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in oiled bowl, turn dough to coat all sides, cover and let rise until doubled. Punch down and divide in half. Shape dough into two long slender loaves. Grease and sprinkle with cornmeal either a french bread pan or large cookie sheet. Place loaves in pan and cut diagonal gashes on top of each loaf (I use scissors). Cover and let rise until doubled. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.
Note: You can sprinkle or spray water on the loaves during baking if you want a really crunchy crust.
This is excellent! Hope you like it!
ooooo that looks good ha ha ha, I think I'll make some today!!!
Thanks.
it all depends on where you live. How the water reacts with the yeast is a big factor. The northeast has the best tap water. It has a low mineral content in it. West coast water is hard water(high mineral content). So if you live there,use spring water or distilled water. You also want to use a baking stone if possible. It regulates the temp evenly while cooking.