CRUSTY FRENCH LOAF

Crusty French Loaf image

A delicate texture makes this French bread absolutely wonderful. I sometimes use this French bread recipe to make breadsticks, which I brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. -Deanna Naivar, Temple, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 1 loaf (16 pieces).

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3 to 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Cornmeal
1 large egg white
1 teaspoon cold water

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, oil, salt and 2 cups flour. Beat until blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down; return to bowl. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. , Preheat oven to 375°. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a 16x2-1/2-in. loaf with tapered ends. Sprinkle cornmeal over a greased baking sheet; place loaf on baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes. , Beat egg white and cold water; brush over dough. With a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes 2 in. apart across top of loaf. Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 109 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 225mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.