Crusty French Baguette

Step 1

the flour in the bowl of the food processor.

Step 2

salt on one side and yeast on the other, you don’t want them to touch for now.

Step 3

with the lid and begin to process at medium/high speed.

Step 4

the water through the feed tube as you begin counting 20 seconds. Either do it out loud or use the phone timer. You’re going to see the dough starts to come together.

Step 5

the machine after 20 seconds and see that it is not dry. It should be rough; make sure there are no spots of flour at the bottom. If it is dry, add 1 more tablespoon of tepid water.

Step 6

the bowl back and now process for 25 more seconds. It should be 45 seconds in total.

Step 7

the dough to a dry bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and put it in a warm place for 2 hours. The dough is hardly going to rise or double, and that is fine.

Step 8

it onto a lightly floured counter, and divide it into 2 or 3 pieces.

Step 9

each piece, make some rough buns by cupping them with both hands until you have a smooth surface, cover them with a clean kitchen towel or loose piece of plastic wrap, and leave them alone for 20 minutes.

Step 10

each piece of dough on the counter (flour it lightly if needed) and shape them into baguettes. I like to make them shorter and thicker.

Step 11

them on an oven sheet pan sprinkled with polenta or oatmeal on the bottom, and dust the bread pieces with a little flour. Cover and let stand for 40 minutes.

Step 12

15 minutes before baking, turn on the oven at 450°F / 230°C.

Step 13

ready a roasting pan and a kettle of hot water.

Step 14

the 40 minutes are almost over, put the roasting pan on the bottom of the oven and carefully fill it halfway with hot water. Close the oven door. This creates steam that is great for forming that crackly crust.

Step 15

3 cuts or slits to each loaf with a lame (find where to buy it online in the Notes below) or a very sharp kitchen knife, and immediately put it in the oven.

Step 16

for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and they sound hollow if you turn them over and lightly tap the bottom with your fingers.