French Bread

Put this bread into a cold oven for a crisp crust and nice texture. If this doesn’t work in your oven, let the bread rise until level with top of pan; then bake in preheated 425 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 25 – 30 minutes. Use a pan specially designed for French bread.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sugar or honey

2 tablespoons active dry yeast

1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees)

2 cups flour blend

1 cup potato starch

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

1 teaspoon guar gum

1/4 cup dry milk powder (cow, rice, or soy)

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened

3 large egg whites

1 teaspoon vinegar

Egg white wash (optional – 1 beaten egg white)

Procedure:

1. In a bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water and set aside for 5 minutes.
2. Grease French bread pan or line with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl of a heavy duty stand mixer, combine remaining ingredients, except the egg wash, then add the yeast mixture. Beat  on low speed to blend. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes, stirring down sides with spatula. Dough will be soft.
4. Divide dough in half on the prepared pan. Smooth each half into 12-inch-long log with wet spatula. Brush with egg wash for glossier crust, if desired. Make 3 diagonal slashes (1/8 inch deep) in each loaf so steam can escape during baking.
5. Place immediately on the middle rack of a cold oven. Set the temperature at 425 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 30 – 45 minutes, until nicely browned.
6. Remove the  French bread from pan; cool completely on wire rack before slicing with electric knife.

Each serving provides: