Baking french bread?!


Question: Baking french bread!?
I have made several recipes of french bread but it just doesn't turn out right!. Either its really tough/chewy or its hard, the crust is the same way too chewy or to hard, I have tried letting it rise anywhere from 90min(first rise),punch down, 30min(second rise),form loaves 60 min and then bake, to 120 min( first rise) punch down form loaves (60 last rise) and then bake!. I knead in the stand mixer, I have tried 10 min, 5 min, 2 min, and have tried 1 min let rest 5 min and then knead another min!. I don't know what I am doing wrong!. Any advise, if you have a good recipe please share!.
I also bake with a pan of water in the bottom of the oven and i have tried spritzing the loaves with water, coating them with egg yolk, or white or even butter! Please help

I am looking for a good bread that will be soft enough for a hoagie and it won't be so chewy that you get a cramp in your mouth!! All advise will be greatly appreciated!! God Bless and have a nice day!!Www@FoodAQ@Com


Answers:
The steam is making the crust chewy!. That is an old baker's trick!. If you want a thin crisp crust eliminate the water bath and don't spray the loaves with water!. Just egg wash if you prefer!. helps browning!.Www@FoodAQ@Com





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