Baguettes!!

This past week I read a post over at "The Sisters Cafe" that I just HAD to try!! It was a recipe for baguettes. While that sounds very *french*... when I lived in Spain we ate a lot of this type of bread as well. I haven't eaten it since, and I've missed it for sure. The picture below isn't the best, but I can assure you (as can Curt), that this bread is YUMMY!!! It's perfect straight out of the oven... or cooled down and sliced lengthwise for sub sandwiches. MMMM. I will definitely be putting this recipe on the "company" recipe list, and will definitely be making it again.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/2 Tbs (2 packages) dry yeast
2 tsp sugar
3 1/4 cup flour
2 tsp salt

Directions:

In a small bowl mix the warm water with the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 mintues - foam should form on the top.

In a large mixing bowl combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough becomes a smooth ball and knead for 5 minutes. Cut in half and then shape into 2 baguettes. To make them smooth and pretty, roll each half of dough into a rectangle and roll up lengthwise. Pinch the edges to seal and place on slightly greased cookie sheet with seam down. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. With a very sharp knife gently make a slash down the length of each baguette. This will give it the authentic look. Pour water in a cookie sheet and place on bottom rack of the oven. Bake the bread for 15 minutes. Halfway through, brush the bread with melted butter.