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1
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
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2
Add the yeast and stir gently to mix.
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3
Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
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4
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 4 cups of the flour and the salt. Beat on low speed just until combined.
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5
Slowly add the yeast mixture and beat just until incorporated about 1 minute.
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6
Increase the speed to medium low to medium and beat for 10 minutes adding more flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. (I used speed 4 on my Artisan when I still had it and now use speed 2 with my P600).
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7
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1 minute.
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8
Form into a ball and dust lightly with flour.
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9
Sprinkle a little flour into a bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl.
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10
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk. 45-60 minutes.
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11
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
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12
Punch down the dough and knead for a few seconds.
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13
Form the dough into a ball and return to the bowl again.
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14
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk. 20- 30 minutes.
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15
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and punch down.
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16
Cut the dough into 2 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
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17
Let rest 5 minutes.
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18
Line a french bread pan with a clean kitchen towel (a large flour sack towel works well) and sprinkle with a little flour.
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19
Roll each ball into a log with tapered ends, about the length of the pan, and place on the towel in the pan. Cover with the overhanging edges of the towel and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
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20
Position an oven rack in the lowest position of the oven, and place a baking pan 1/3 full of boiling water on the rack.
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21
Preheat oven to 425 F (220C).
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22
Gently lift the towel holding the loaves off of the pan, taking care not to let the loaves touch each other and set on a work surface.
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23
Spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray and using the towel as a guide gently flip each loaf into a well in the pan.
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24
Brush off excess flour.
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25
Using a sharp knife, make 3-5 diagonal slashes in the loaves about 1/4 inch deep (6mm).
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26
Brush with the beaten egg white mixture.
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27
Bake on center rack until the bread sounds hollow when tapped, about 30-35 minutes.
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28
Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool the loaves in the pan until room temperature.
