Sourdough French Bread

Elevate your bread-baking game with the delightful Sourdough French Bread recipe, a creation of Delila George from Junction City, Oregon. These beautiful loaves boast a flavor and texture that rival any found in stores, making them a delectable treat to savor at home. With relative ease and the addition of Sourdough Starter, you can create two mouthwatering loaves that are sure to impress.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
• 1¾ cups warm water (110° to 115°)
• ¼ cup Sourdough Starter
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4¼ cups all-purpose flour

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the Sourdough Starter, canola oil, sugar, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Beat until smooth and then stir in enough additional flour to form a soft ball.
2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it 20-30 times (the dough will be slightly sticky). Place it in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, which usually takes about 1 to 1½ hours.
3. After the first rise, punch the dough down and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it in half and roll each half into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Roll up each rectangle jelly-roll style, starting with a long side, and then pinch the ends to seal. Place the loaves, seam side down, on two greased baking sheets, and tuck the ends under. Cover and let them rise again until doubled, which takes about 30 minutes.
4. With a sharp knife, make four shallow diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. In a small saucepan, combine water and cornstarch and cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. Brush some of this mixture over the loaves.
5. Bake the loaves at 400° for 15 minutes, then brush them with the remaining cornstarch wash. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the loaves are lightly browned. Remove them from the pans and place them on wire racks to cool.

YIELD: 2 loaves (10 slices each)

PREP/RISE/BAKE/COOL TIME: 15 minutes/1-1½ hours/20 minutes/cooling time

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• To achieve a soft and slightly sticky dough, ensure you add enough flour while kneading.
• The cornstarch wash not only adds a lovely shine to the loaves but also helps create a delightful crust.

TIPS:

• Serve the Sourdough French Bread warm with butter or your favorite spread for a delightful treat.
• For an authentic French experience, serve the bread with a selection of cheeses and charcuterie.

In conclusion, Sourdough French Bread is a testament to the culinary excellence that can be achieved with a few simple ingredients and the magic of Sourdough Starter. Delila George’s recipe brings the irresistible aroma and taste of artisanal French bread into your home, offering loaves that rival those found in stores.

The addition of Sourdough Starter infuses the bread with a distinctive tangy flavor and complexity that elevates it to new heights. With just a little effort, you can create these beautiful loaves with relative ease, making it a rewarding and delightful baking experience.

As the loaves rise and take shape, the anticipation builds, and the aroma fills your kitchen with the promise of a scrumptious treat. The final result is two beautifully baked loaves of Sourdough French Bread, with a golden crust and soft, flavorful interior.

The versatility of Sourdough French Bread allows it to shine as a standalone delight, paired with butter or spreads, or as a wonderful complement to hearty soups, stews, and fresh salads. Its rustic charm makes it a perfect choice for sharing with loved ones during gatherings or special occasions.

Embrace the joy of baking and indulge in the satisfaction of creating your own artisanal bread that will impress family and friends alike. With its tangy flavor, beautiful crust, and soft crumb, Sourdough French Bread will become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.

So, gather your ingredients, follow Delila George’s guidance, and let the magic of Sourdough Starter transform your kitchen into a bakery, producing loaves of Sourdough French Bread that will delight your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.