French bread

French bread is a delicacy that takes us to the picturesque streets of a vibrant city, where the fresh aroma of warm bread envelops every corner. The preparation of this bread is an art that combines tradition with technique, and today's recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect result. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you will create a bread that will impress anyone.

Total preparation time: 1 day and 1 hour
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 3 baguettes

Necessary ingredients:
- 700 g bread flour (high gluten wheat flour for a perfect texture)
- 4 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast, equally effective)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 500 g water at room temperature (make sure it is not too hot, to avoid killing the yeast)

Day 1: Preparing the dough

1. Dissolving the yeast: Start by mixing the yeast with 50 ml of lukewarm water (not hot!). Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast and achieve fluffy bread.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and the rest of the water. Using a wooden spoon, begin to mix the ingredients until they become homogeneous. It is normal for the mixture to be sticky at first.

3. Kneading: Once you can no longer mix with the spoon, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands for about 3 minutes. The dough should become elastic and not stick too much to your hands. Do not add too much flour, as you want a moist texture.

4. Resting the dough: Place the dough in a clean bowl, greased with a little oil. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for up to 4 days. This slow fermentation stage will develop deep and complex flavors.

Day 2: Baking the bread

1. Taking the dough out of the fridge: On the day you want to bake the bread, take the dough out of the fridge. You will notice that it has risen and has an airy texture. Place it on a clean surface and let it come to room temperature for 1 hour.

2. Shaping the baguettes: Using a spatula, carefully remove the dough from the bowl, being careful not to release the trapped gases. Divide it into 3 equal parts and shape the baguettes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make 3 shallow diagonal cuts on each baguette to allow steam to escape during baking.

3. Proofing the dough: Let the baguettes proof for 1 hour. This is the perfect time to preheat the oven.

4. Preheating the oven: 45 minutes before baking the bread, preheat the oven to the maximum temperature, around 290 °C. A well-heated oven is essential for achieving a crispy crust.

5. Baking: Once the oven is hot, place the baguettes inside and reduce the temperature to 230 °C. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. If you want an even crispier crust, you can add a pan of water to the oven to create steam.

6. Cooling: After removing the baguettes from the oven, let them cool on a rack for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial as it allows the steam to evaporate, ensuring a perfect texture.

Practical tips and variations:
- You can add various dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the dough for added flavor.
- Another delicious variation is to add olives or nuts to the dough during kneading.
- If you want a thicker crust, you can apply a thin layer of olive oil to the surface of the baguettes before baking.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Why do I need to let the dough ferment in the fridge? Slow fermentation in the fridge develops more complex flavors and a better texture.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
3. How can I tell if the bread is baked? Tap the bottom of the baguette lightly; if it sounds hollow, it is done.

Pairing with other recipes:
French bread pairs perfectly with a variety of soups, salads, or cheeses. A recipe for onion soup or a salad with arugula and parmesan would wonderfully complement this dish.

Nutritional benefits:
Homemade bread is much healthier than store-bought, as you control the ingredients. Whole wheat flour is an excellent source of fiber, and freshly baked bread contains no preservatives or artificial additives.

These baguettes will surely become a family and friends' favorite. So, let's get cooking! With a little patience and love, you will achieve a truly delicious French bread that will fill your home with enticing aromas. Bon appétit!