No Need to Knead French Bread

I have had this recipe for years. The original called for pecans and raisins, and it is really good, too.

This time, I tweaked it a little because I wanted to eat it as sandwich bread. I used 1/2 milk rather than all water to give it a more tender crumb.

It is economical and oh-so easy to make! You won't need to lug out your stand mixer, either.. a big bowl, measuring cup, and a wooden spoon is all you'll need to make the dough.

No Need to Knead Bread

4 cups all purpose flour (you could use half whole wheat)
1 package dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3/4 cup milk (heat it a couple of secs in the microwave to have it warm not hot)
1 tablespoon white or brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or chia seeds, or a mixture (optional)

Mix the water, milk, yeast and sugar in a big bowl. Stir until the yeast is dissolved. Stir in the salt.

Add 1/2 of the flour, stir to wet it throughly, do not overmix. Add the rest of the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a sticky but sold dough forms. Again, do not overmix. You want the mixture to be moist, not dry, but not runny either.

Cover with plastic wrap and put in a warm place to rise for 40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and spray Pam a loaf pan(if you want sandwich bread), or a flat cookie sheet (if you want a free-form loaf)

Pour the dough into the prepared pan. To form a free-form loaf, pour it all out and lightly shape it by hand into a log. Do not overwork it.

After rise

pour into pan

here's my free-form loaf, I could have done a better job if I used a large cookie sheet, but it still turned out delish!

Wet the top slightly with a sprinkle of water and place seeds, if using.

add seeds if desired

Place on the center rack and bake for 30 minutes, or until nice and golden brown. Depending on your oven , this may take up to 40 minutes.

Cut the loaf with a serrated knife into slices. Or serve the loaf as is, warm from the oven and slathered with butter. Yum!

the free-form loaf

Make it a Great Day!
Ann

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