French baguette

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, water, salt, and yeast until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
5. Gently deflate the dough and fold it over itself a few times. Cover and let it rise for another hour.
6. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces and shape each into a rough oval. Let them rest for 15 minutes.
7. Shape each piece into a baguette by flattening the dough and rolling it tightly into a log.
8. Place the shaped baguettes on a floured couche or parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for 45 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 230 degrees Celsius with a baking stone or tray inside.
10. Score the baguettes with a sharp blade and transfer them to the hot baking stone or tray.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Prep

• Mix the dough ingredients and let it rest for 30 minutes before kneading.
• Allow the dough to rise for a total of 2 hours with a fold after the first hour.