I love bread. I love bread. This one of the ways Oprah really gets me.
If I were stranded on an island, and could only eat three foods for the rest of my life, I would choose this bread straight outta the oven, sharp white cheddar, and freshly picked apples. I think I would survive (hopefully this theoretical island is also abundant with mangoes and coconuts).
I'm so glad I found this recipe from I Heart Naptime. It literally saved me. Just ask my husband. I had been craving FRESH homemade bread FOR DAYS and didn't know where I would find some that would completely satisfy my craving. There is nothing more disappointing than thinking you're about to eat something that you've been wanting for forever and then it not being what you actually wanted.
So, I decided to just make the bread I wanted. The recipe promised a chewy bread with a golden crust and that was enough to sell me. I've made bread before and this also happened to be THE EASIEST bread I've ever made, and oh my goodness it was amazing. My hubs and I ate the whole thing in one day.
I made minuscule changes to the original recipe, but I really think you're going to LOVE it.
The Easiest French Bread
Ingredients:
1 cup warm water
1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 tablespoon sugar
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon melted butter
Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the water, sugar and yeast. Leave for about 5 min or until it starts to foam.
2. Stir in two cups of flour and the salt, then begin to knead the dough.
3. Add a half cup of the remaining flour at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky (you may not use the full 3 cups).
4. Shape the dough into a ball, rub it with olive oil and set it back in the bowl. Rest for 15 min.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle a little longer than 1 foot.
6. Roll the dough into a cylinder lengthwise. Tuck both ends of the dough under and pinch the seams closed. If the loaf looks too long, gently pat the ends together, slightly shortening the length of the loaf.
7. Place the loaf on a baking sheet, and let it rise for 30-45 min. Once it has risen, cut 3 diagonal slits across the top of the loaf. Brush with melted butter.
8. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and bake for 17-20 min.
Eat it fresh!!!
