Homemade French Bread Recipe {with video}

Because it finally rained in Austin. 

And because bread making is spectacular in rainy weather.

And because, my friends, there is nothing nicer you could do for your friends and family than sharing a warm, homemade loaf of bread …

The Peach Tree’s French Country Bread

1 T active dry yeast * 1 -1/2 t sugar * 1 -1/2 c warm water * 3 c unbleached flour * 1/2 c whole wheat flour * 1/2 c rolled oats * 1 1/2 t salt

Dissolve yeast & sugar in water. Combine 2 c unbleached flour, ww flour, oats & salt. Add yeast mixture, stir well. Knead dough on lightly floured board gradually adding last cup of flour until no longer sticky (don’t feel compelled to use it all). Place dough in oiled bowl and cover with clean kitchen towel. Let sit til doubled in size (about an hour). Next, punch down and turn onto floured surface. Divide in 2 parts. Form into 2 large baguette size rolls and place on greased baking sheet seam side down. Cover with towel & let rise 30 mins (or so). Using serrated knife, make swallow diagonal slices on top of each loaf. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 -25 mins.

 

French Country Bread from Susie Davis on Vimeo.

The first time I shared it, the video was tucked in a 52 Sunday Suppers post with a yummy chicken & rice soup recipe. And sure the bread is great with soup but gracious this loaf is so fantastic, you don’t need anything else. Except maybe some butter. And a nice glass of wine. Oooh dear …

The texture is amazing ~ denser than most French bread recipes I’ve tried. The addition of whole wheat flour and oats give this loaf lovely flavor. I think you’ll want to give this recipe a try.

So grateful rain (and homemade bread) in Austin today!

Enjoy your day!

 Click for a printable PDF of this recipe here