Friday, December 27, 2013

Christmas Review and French Bread


French Bread
 (Julia's Kitchen Wisdom pg. 81)

Ingredients:
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup tepid water
  • Pinch of sugar 
  • 1 cup cold water, plus more if needed
  • 3 & 1/2 cups organic bread flour 
  • 1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour 
  • 2 & 1/4 teaspoons salt 
Directions:
  1. Proof yeast in tepid water with sugar for 5 minutes 
  2. Measure flours and salt into stand mixer with a dough hook
  3. With mixer running slowly add yeast and cold water
  4. Mix until dough balls up, then for 8 to 10 more revolutions. 
  5. Let rest for 5 minutes 
  6. Process dough for another 15 seconds
  7. Remove to a floured surface 
  8. Let rest for 2 minutes 
  9. Knead dough 50 times 
  10. Put dough in ungreased bowl
  11. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an hour 
  12. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface push and pat into 14 inch rectangle
  13. Fold rectangle into thirds
  14. Repeat 
  15. Cover and let rise for 1 to 1& 1/2 hours 
  16. Cut dough in half and fold in half each piece 
  17. Push and pat both into 8 by 10 inch rectangular shapes 
  18. Fold in half lengthwise 
  19. Press and pound firmly to seal 
  20. Roll dough so the seam is centered on top
  21. Stretch to 18 inches long 
  22. Let rise for 1 to 1 & 1/2 hours covered 
  23. Bake side by side on a pizza stone at 450 degrees for 20 minutes 
  24. Reduce heat to 400 degrees for 10 minutes until done 



And it was fabulous.  Though I need more practice with bread.

In other news we have arrived home to Portland after a week in the California Sunshine.  We came back with all of this great loot!  

Additionally, with the money we had been saving and a bit extra from Christmas we were able to finally get this beautiful Le Creuset seven piece set!

I cannot wait to use these beauties in the kitchen!


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