Favorite French Bread

1 day ago 4

Democracy Dies successful Darkness

Marcy Goldman says this is her go-to bread; stored properly, it's a bully keeper, and it is perfect for sandwiches oregon toast.

The breadstuff is neither dense nor gaping with holes (though it surely has some), but determination successful between. The method is 1 that caller and seasoned bakers alike volition appreciate.

You'll request an extra-large integrative zip-top bag, large capable to clasp a baking expanse and the breadstuff dough (alternatively, a ample expanse of integrative wrapper tin beryllium used), and a spray h2o bottle. We recovered the flours called for successful this look astatine MOM's stores. Spring h2o is specified due to the fact that it is not chlorinated (and truthful volition not interfere with yeast development).

Store this breadstuff wrapped successful a cleanable crockery towel for the archetypal day, which volition assistance support the crust crisp; aft that, successful a zip-top bag.

The sponge starter needs to beryllium astatine country somesthesia for 8 to 16 hours. The dough needs to emergence a archetypal clip for 45 to 90 minutes and a 2nd clip for 2 to 4 hours. The unsliced loaves tin beryllium frozen for up to 2 months.

From Goldman, a Montreal baker and cookbook author.

Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 15 Makes 1 ample loaf oregon 2 smaller ones

For the sponge starter and dough

1 cupful water, preferably outpouring water
1/2 spoon instant yeast
1 1/4 cups unbleached breadstuff flour oregon (preferably) integrated achromatic breadstuff flour
2 tablespoons integrated whole-wheat flour
2 tablespoons integrated rye flour

For the dough

1 cupful water, preferably outpouring water
1/2 spoon instant yeast
2 1/2 teaspoons oversea salt
1 tablespoonful sweetener (may substitute honey)
1/2 spoon malt pulverization oregon syrup (optional)
3 3/4 cups to 4 cups unbleached achromatic breadstuff flour, positive much for dusting

Nutritional Facts

Per slice

Calories
170
Fat
1 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Sodium
360 mg
Protein
6 g
Fiber
2 g

This investigation is an estimation based connected disposable ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s oregon nutritionist’s advice.

From Goldman, a Montreal baker and cookbook author.

Tested by Becky Krystal.

Published February 5, 2013

Updated March 14, 2026