French Bread With Roasted Garlic

Rita~'s Note:

This is made in the bread machine and baked in the oven. Follow your bread machine directions. If you don't have a french bread setting just remove dough from the machine before the final rising stage and shape as directed.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 10

Yield: 2.0 loafs

• 1 1/3 cups water
• 4 cups unbleached flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fast-rising active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon roasted garlic

Directions:

1. Add water to the machine following with the rest of the ingredients as listed. Be sure not to have the salt (place salt in a corner)and yeast touch.
2. Use the french bread setting press start.
3. When the dough cycle has finished remove dough from machine place it on a floured work surface. Punch down divide into 2.
4. Start with one rolling into 7-8 X 3 inches. Fold one third up lenghtwise and one third down then press. Repeat twice more letting the dough rest in between foldings.
5. Gentle roll and stretch each piece to 11-13 inch loaf. Place loaf on a lightly floured bread pan so it will keep its shape while rising. Cover with lightly oiled plastic wrap and rise for 30-45 minutes in a warm place.
6. Slash tops with a sharp knife. Place into a preheated oven at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes. In a pan below add a hand full of ice cubes. Bake until golden brown. Transfer to wire rack and cool.

Reviews

[smellyvegetarian]

We absolutely loved this, and it couldn't be easier! I even had to go about things the old-fashioned way; the paddle for my bread machine was missing so I prepared the dough by hand and it was still easy peasy. The texture of this bread is really lovely. I used half whole-wheat flour and it didn't become dense and chewy as others will. The loaves were a decent size, too, and I was able to pop the leftovers into the freezer to pull out with dinner a few nights later. It froze beautifully! Thanks, Rita. Made for Veg Swap 36.

[Katzen]

Wonderful, Rita, I loved this simple and delicious recipe! I made this a couple of months ago and forgot to review it - life got in the way! However, this will definately be a go-to recipe for me when I'm looking for something more spectacular than plain french bread. It went really well with your Rosemary-Garlic Dipping Oil! Thanks, Rita - made for Veggie Swap.

[amaloney73]

Very good recipe. Thanks so much!!!