Baguette

Few things evoke the cozy charm of a French countryside kitchen quite like a freshly baked baguette. With its crisp crust and soft, airy interior, a homemade baguette is a delightful addition to any meal or simply enjoyed on its own. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating your own delicious baguette right in your very own kitchen. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread with this simple and rewarding recipe for homemade baguettes.

**Homemade Baguette Recipe**

**Ingredients:**
– 3 1/4 cups bread flour
– 1 1/4 cups warm water
– 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Cornmeal, for dusting

**Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to use.

2. **Mix the Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms.

3. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

4. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

5. **Shape the Baguettes:** Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a rough rectangle, then fold the sides towards the center, overlapping slightly, and pinch to seal. Roll the dough into a log, tapering the ends slightly.

6. **Second Rise:** Place the shaped baguettes on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

7. **Preheat and Score:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Just before baking, use a sharp knife or a bread lame to make diagonal slashes along the top of each baguette. This helps the bread expand and creates that classic baguette look.

8. **Bake:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the baguettes for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For a crisper crust, you can spritz the oven with water a couple of times during the first 10 minutes of baking.

9. **Cool and Enjoy:** Remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. These homemade baguettes are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, but they can also be frozen for later use.

Making your own baguettes at home is a truly rewarding experience that allows you to savor the simple pleasure of freshly baked bread. Whether you enjoy them with soups, salads, or simply with a smear of butter, these homemade baguettes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of warm bread fill your home with this delightful recipe.