Lean French Bread

1. 1

   Dissolve yeast in water.

2. 2

   Add salt and 4 1/2 cups flour, stirring well.

3. 3

   Add flour to form a heavy mass.

4. 4

   Turn onto floured surface.

5. 5

   Knead in remainder of flour until dough is smooth, satiny and elastic.

6. 6

   Place dough in lightly oiled bowl.

7. 7

   Turn to cover all surfaces.

8. 8

   Cover; let rise to double (2 to 3 hours).

9. 9

   Combine cornstarch and boiling water.

10. 10

    Cool.

11. 11

    Punch down dough and turn onto work surface.

12. 12

    Divide dough into 4. Roll each 12 to 13-inches and 1-inch in diameter.

13. 13

    Place on connmealed baking sheet or lightly greased French bread forms.

14. 14

    Slash dough diagonally 3 times.

15. 15

    Cover, rise until almost double.

16. 16

    Brush with cornstarch mixture.

17. 17

    Put loaves in preheated 425u00b0 oven.

18. 18

    Brush with cornstarch mixture 2 to 3 times during first 10 to 15 minutes.

19. 19

    Bake 35 to 40 minutes until sounds hollow.

No additional tips available.