French Baguette

Preparation of the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Continued Dough Preparation Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a rough dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Rising the Dough Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shaping the Baguette Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a long baguette and place them on a floured baking sheet.

Final Steps Cover the shaped baguettes and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and water to create the glaze. Brush the baguettes with the glaze. Slash the tops of the baguettes with a sharp knife. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Serve and Enjoy Serve the freshly baked French baguette with your favorite fillings or enjoy it with a spread of butter. It's perfect for sandwiches or as a side with soups and salads.