I love fresh bread. I have fond childhood memories of visiting my friend’s house when her mother had her bread-baking days. She’d spend a whole day making the bread for the month and the table and oven would be filled with loaves and trays of rolls, glistening with the melted butter brushed over the top. The whole house would be scented with the unique saliva-inducing aroma of fresh bread. We’d hover around until a loaf came out of the oven and devour several slices warm, without butter, savouring every morsel of yeasty goodness.
It wasn’t until I had children of my own that I started experimenting with making my own bread. I’m no expert by any means, but I do enjoy the process of kneading, shaping, proving and baking. There’s something really satisfying about tucking into your own homemade loaf of bread, and it’s even more appealing when the children do too, making their little noises of bread-eating pleasure.
This recipe makes a fantastic French style baguette. If I am serving it alongside a main meal I will make two large baguettes which usually get dipped into an olive oil and balsamic vinegar side dish (the children love this and it’s a great way to get some good fats into their little growing bodies). Day old leftovers often get sliced, lightly toasted, rubbed with a cut garlic clove and drizzled with a little bit of olive oil for a quick garlic toast. I’ll make four small baguettes for packed lunches or picnics. This recipe makes a perfect submarine sandwich base.
I don’t know where the original recipe for this loaf came from, I’m afraid. It was copied off a website into my cookery notebook some time ago. It’s a really simple recipe to make and I encourage you to try it, especially if you’ve never made bread before.
- 400 grams strong white bread flour
- 1 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp active dried yeast
- 250 ml warm water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp water
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 2 large or 4 small baguettes
Since this is a from-scratch recipe I have shared it with Javelin Warrior’s Made with Love Monday’s from-scratch recipe round-up.
Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
plasterer bristol says
Wow i’m really impressed with this i hope mine turn out like this…
Elizabeth S says
Aw thanks! I’m sure they will – good luck, and let me know how you get on!
Louise at Cake and Calico says
These look lovely – will definitely add this recipe to my ‘to bake’ list. 😀
Elizabeth says
Thanks 🙂 Oh I do hope you try them!
Javelin Warrior says
These baguettes look so good, Elizabeth. The texture looks just about perfect, perfectly chewy with a springy crumb… So tasty… I love that you bake your own bread!
Elizabeth says
Thanks Mark! 🙂 This recipe does have a fantastic texture, I suppose that’s why I like it so much. That and it tastes wonderful!
Laura Loves Cakes says
I’m really impressed that you made your own baguettes, it’s great you use them in so many different ways too…I particularly like the sound of the garlic toast! 🙂
Elizabeth says
Aw thanks Laura 🙂 Much appreciated x
Helen says
wow, these look fab! For some reason I always thought french bread would be tricky to make. Funnily enough I just posted a french bread pizza recipe so now I have no excuse not to make my own french bread too!
Elizabeth says
Thank you 🙂 This recipe is easy-peasy – no reason not to try it at home! 🙂
Terri says
Looks great! Thanks! Making this now. It will be eaten with our homemade yogurt cheese today. Love your stuff! 🙂
Elizabeth says
Oh I hope you liked it! This is one of my favourite bread recipes 🙂 Thank you!