Baguettes

1. 1

   Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.

2. 2

   Stir with a fork.

3. 3

   Set aside for 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Combine flour and salt.

5. 5

   Add the yeast mixture, and stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups water.

6. 6

   Mix the dough until it's sticky enough to knead.

7. 7

   On a lightly-floured surface knead for 6-10 minutes.

8. 8

   The dough will be sticky and smooth.

9. 9

   Put the dough in a bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

10. 10

    Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal parts.

11. 11

    Shape each into a baguette, and transfer teh loaves to a lightly-greased baking sheet (you can use butter to grease).

12. 12

    Let rise until doubled.

13. 13

    Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

14. 14

    Pour 2 cups of hot water into a pyrex dish or pan and set in preheated oven next to the baguettes.

15. 15

    Bake 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 400 and bake another 5 minutes until golden brown.

16. 16

    Allow to cool before slicing.

No additional tips available.