French Bread | The French Chef Season 7 | Julia Child

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier with good fats.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds natural sweetness.

yeast

🥗Healthier: sourdough starter

💰Cheaper: instant yeast

Sourdough adds depth of flavor.

Add 1/3 cup of warm water to 2 1/4 teaspoons of dry active yeast and let it dissolve for 4-5 minutes.

Measure 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, leveling it off with a spatula without sifting.

Add 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the flour and mix.

Once the yeast is dissolved, add it to the flour and salt mixture.

Add 1 1/4 cups of tepid water to the mixture and stir with a spatula until combined.

Let the dough rest for about 2 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the water.

Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, letting it rest for a minute during kneading if needed.

Place the kneaded dough in a bowl and cover it to rise until it reaches 3 1/2 times its original bulk, which should take at least 3 hours at 75°F.

After the dough has risen, deflate it gently and prepare for shaping.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens