French Bread

YUMMY before and after shots...

2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup lukewarm milk, divided +  1/4 cup milk for brushing top of bread before baking
4 cups unbleached bread flour, plus extra for work surface
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1. In bowl, pour in 1 cup lukewarm milk + yeast. Stir until combined,  Let "Proof" (sit & activate) 5 Minutes.

2. Pour into Breadmaker on Dough Setting. Add the rest of the ingredients & start.

3. When done, put a tsp. of oil on your pizza stone 

   ---- or line a baking sheet with a silpat OR parchment/wax paper paper.

4. Place your dough thats been shaped on above choice and brush with 1/4cup milk.

5. Put Oven on lowest setting, 100-170*, and place the dough inside to rise for 25 minutes. 

6. Take the bread out and preheat the oven to 350*

7. Bake at 350* for 25-35 minutes.

This is going to be your GO TO French Bread Recipe!  I promise! SOOOO AMAZING!!