EASY FRENCH BREAD

We are getting a lot of rain down here today, so I thought it would be a good day to post a blog about my easy French Bread. This recipe is for a 2 LB loaf and it comes out perfect every time.
I make this in my bread machine then bake it in the oven. You have to try this one its fantastic!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water, at about 105 degrees
4 cups flour ( bread flour)
1 1/2 tsp salt I like kosher
2 1/2 tsp dry yeast

Directions:
Add the ingredients in the order your bread maker needs
For mine it's water first
Then I add 1/2 of the flour and the salt then the rest of the flour then the yeast on top
Set your machine for the Dough cycle.

When your dough is done take it out and cut dough in 1/2 on a floured board roll each 1/2 into a long rope.  Place on a greased baking sheet that has a little corn meal on it and cut small slits about 4 just through top to the bread.
Brush with ice water then cover with a tea towel and let rise for 1 hour then brush with egg wash and I like to sprinkle a little kosher salt on top of my bread before I bake it. If you want a softer crust brush with cream instead of egg wash.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 25-35 min.
Enjoy!
Allison