French Bread

I have been wanting to work on my baguette recipe for a long time. I was renewed in my resolve after we visited my favorite bakery in Monterey: The Paris Bakery and Cafe where I had a Mini Princess Cake (which my husband unashamedly ordered for me) and a big crusty baguette.

This is the recipe I have been using but it feels slightly dense in comparison to the bakery baguette but still easy and wonderful. I need to work on getting a crisper crust and a chewier texture. I don't know if this comes with more kneading but I will let you know as I try different things.

Ingredients:

bread:
5 c. Flour
2x .25 oz. active dry yeast package (I prefer not quick rising)
2 tsp. salt
2 c. warm water

egg wash:
2 egg yolks
2 tbsp milk
sesame seeds

also
1 tbsp corn meal (for the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking)

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 c. flour, yeast, and salt. Stir in 2 c. water. Stir with a wooden spoon until blended. Stir in the remaining 3 c. flour.

2. Lightly flour a surface and knead dough for 8-10 mins. Shape into a ball and place into a large, greased bowl, turn over once and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled (45mins-1hr).


3. Flatten dough and divide in half. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, cover, and rest for 10 mins.


4. Roll each half into a large rectangle (I always use a bottle of wine as a rolling pin). Roll the rectangle into a baguette shape starting from the long side. Seal wthe seam with water (I also put the seam side down on the baking pan).


5. Line the baking pan with foil, spray it with non-stick spray, and sprinkle the cornmeal. Place the baguette, seam side down, on the tray and cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise for 35-40 mins.


6. Apply egg wash and sesame seeds after making 4 diagonal cuts with a very sharp knife into the top of the dough.


7. Bake for 20 mins at 400 degrees then apply second coat of egg wash. Bake for another 15 mins--you can put foil on the top at this point to prevent over-browning. Cool on a wire rack.


*Update on the San Mateo County Fair baking competition: The contest conflicts with my wedding so I will have to have a go next year.