simple french bread

I swear I’m addicted to bread. I don’t know if it’s the Italian in me or what. And warm, fresh baked bread is like my drug. Can’t…get…enough!!

So the other day when I made the delicious Corn and Red Potato Chowder, I knew I had to make a quick and easy homemade bread. I have been saving this French bread recipe to try for a while now. And it didn’t disappoint.

I’ll be making this bread often I think. I love the simple ingredients and your electric mixer does all the work. No kneading or punching. Just mix up a batch, let it rise, then bake!

homemade fresh french bread

Homemade French Bread

from Honey and Butter

Ingredients:

1 packet of active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 & 1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 & 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

Directions:

1. In your electric mixer’s bowl; add the warm water, yeast, sugar and salt. Mix with the dough hook until dissolved.

2. Add the flour and mix on low for 2 – 3 minutes, increase speed to medium/high for another 10 minutes. The dough will be pulled off the sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temp for 1 and 1/2 hours.

3. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and shape into a loaf. Cut a few slits in the top of the loaf and then brush with some egg white mixed with water.

4. Place your bread in a cold oven and turn it on to 400°. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes, until golden brown.