Foolproof French bread

By Rortvedt

Ingredients

• loaves
• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water

Preparation

Step 1

Place ingredients in bread machine according to manufacturers directions. 2 Start machine on dough setting. 3 When dough cycle is complete, remove dough with floured hands and cut in half on floured surface. 4 Take each half of dough and roll to make a loaf about 12 inches long in the shape of French bread. 5 Place on greased baking sheet and cover with a towel. 6 Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. 7 Preheat oven to 450°. 8 Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown, turning pan around once halfway during baking. 9 Remove baked loaves to wire racks to cool.