French Bread

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Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water

1/2 tablespoon yeast

1/2 tablespoon salt

2 teaspoons honey or sugar

3 tablespoons soft butter or oil

3 1/2 - 4 cups flour

Method:

Add the yeast and honey to the bowl of a mixer with the dough hook attached. Add the warm water and salt and combine. Add the soft butter and the flour, one cup at a time, with the mixer on low. After 3 1/2 cups have been added check the texture. The dough should mostly pull away from the sides and the texture should be tacky, not sticky. Add 1/4-1/2cup more flour if needed. Knead for 5 minutes.

Let the dough double in size, covered in a warm area. This should take 60-90 minutes.

Dump the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a baguette shape, making sure the seam is pressed together. Lay the dough seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise until puffy, about 45-60 minutes.

Score the dough in 3 diagonal slashes. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Brush with butter while hot!