Extra Bready

Over on my Facebook page, Sweet G's Baking, I took a poll last night on what readers would like to see next.. It was split evenly between French Bread and Garlic Knots so today, we bake both!

First, I'll share this wonderful Homemade French Bread recipe.

Super Soft French Bread

Ingredients:

1/4 C warm water
1    pkg dry active yeast
1 tsp sugar
3 1/2 -  4 C flour (I use Wheat Montana)
1 Tbsp Sugar
1 Tsp salt
1 C plus 2 TBSP warm water
1 egg white, and 1 tbsp water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

To make this yummy bread, first you have to activate your yeast.  I use Fleischmann's Rapid Rise Yeast, it comes in a strip of 3 blue packages.   To do this, you need to mix one packet of yeast, 1/4 Cup of water, 1 tsp sugar and in a bowl.  

 Allow that to sit and get bubbly for about 5 minutes.    

 Once bubbly, add 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt  and the 1 Cup 2 Tbsp of water.  Mix it well, then add the flour. 

Mix in your flour, then knead by hand your dough for 5 minutes, or until smooth.

Allow it to rise for 15-20 minutes (until it doubles in size) I put a damp warm dish towel over my bowl to aid in it's rising.

On a lightly floured surface( I use my cutting board) roll out the dough with a rolling pin.

Roll the dough up like a jelly roll, making sure to pinch the dough into a tight roll as you begin, then turn the ends under when done.  Place the roll seam side down on your baking sheet.  Cut three small slits in the top of the bread, being careful not to cut too deeply.

Mix together your egg white and a tablespoon of water, and brush it over the top of your bread.  This will give it that pretty color after it bakes. 

Boil a small pot of water, when boiling, turn of pot and transfer water to an oven safe dish. 

Turn your oven off.

Place the dish of hot water on the lower rack of the oven, and then place your loaf of bread on the rack above the water.

Allow your loaf to double again ( approximately 20 minutes).

Remove the pan of water.

Without removing the loaf of bread, turn your oven back on to 425 degrees and bake for 10 minutes.

When the timer beeps on that, reset your oven to 375 degrees and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes. or until your bread is golden brown.

Your house is going to smell delicious!  You may want to have the butter ready. You won't be able to resist when this comes out of the oven!

I've made this recipe two or three times and the more you make it, the simpler it gets. :)

                 

Now that you're so hungry you can't stand it, let's see if we can make you even more hungry... with 

Garlic Parmesan Knots:

You'll Need:

1      Can of Biscuits (8)

1/4 Cup of Melted Butter

3    Tbsp Parmesan cheese grated

1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder

1     Tsp dried oregano

1     Tsp Parsley Flakes

1    Basting Brush

Instructions:

• Pre-heat your oven to 375 Degrees.

• Open your can of biscuits, and cut each biscuit into halves.

• Mix your melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano and parsley together in a small bowl.  Let sit while you finish your knots.  ( I didn't have any parsley when I made these, and they were still yummy!)

• Roll each biscuit by hand into 5-6 inch ropes, then tie them into knots. 

• Place each knot onto a baking sheet.  

                                     

• Dip your basting brush in the bowl of butter and cheese, and cover each knot with the mixture.  Being sure to save some for after they are done baking. 

• Bake these little bits of garlicky goodness for 8-10 minutes.

• Your knots should be nice and golden brown.  Baste on the last bit of buttery goodness.. and enjoy.