French Baguettes

This is by far my favorite bread recipe. It's really easy using a bread machine, and it makes awesome sandwiches, garlic toast, dipping bread for soups, etc. Would make great bruchetta too!
I make this almost every day. That's how easy it is.

French Baguettes

1 cup warm water

1 tsp salt

2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

1 tbsp white sugar

1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

Italian seasoning (optional)

1 egg white

1/3 cup water
Cheese (optional)

1. Place ingedients into a bread machine pan in the above order. Select Dough cycle and press start.

2. Once cycle has finished, let the dough rise for about 30 minutes in the machine or a well-oiled bowl.

3. Punch dough down. Roll into a 12x16 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Cut the rectagle into two 8x12 inch rectangles. Sprinkle italian seasoning on the halves, if desired. Roll up each half tightly, beginning at the 12 inch side. Place on a greased baking sheet. Make deep diagonal cuts across loaves. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes until doubled.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.. Brush loaves with egg white and sprinkle with cheese if desired. Place them in the oven and throw a 1/3 cup of water onto the bottom of the oven at the same time. (This trick will give you a nice crisp crust)
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown. Once done, move the loaves on a cooling rack right away to maintain crispiness.

I'm sure this recipe would work just fine without a bread machine. The reviews at allrecipes.com have instructions for making it without one.

Recipe modified from
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/French-Baguettes/Detail.aspx