Baguettes Recipe

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   ["Combine in a small bowl the water, salt, yeast, and sugar.", "Add in the shortening and let proof.", "Sift the flour into a large bowl.", "Make a well in the center and gradually add in liquid, stirring constantly.", "Stir with a wooden spoon till the dough starts to leave the sides of the bowl.", "Turn out and knead for 10 min.", "Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean tea towel and let rise about 1 1/2 hrs.", "Punch dough down and let rise again for 30 to 45 min.", "Punch down and let rest for 10 min.", "Turn the dough onto a floured board and roll into a 15"" x 10"" oblong.", "Roll up tightly toward you, beginning with the wide side.", "With a hand on each end, roll the loaf back and forth to taper the ends and lengthen the loaf.", "Place diagonally on a greased and cornmeal- sprinkled cookie sheet.", "Slash at 2"" intervals and let rise uncovered for about 1 1/2 hrs.", "Place in a 425 F oven.", "For the first 15 min, spray with a fine mist of water every four min.", "Reduce heat to 350 F and bake 20 min longer.", "The loaf should be golden and slide off the sheet easily."]

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.