Seeded French Bread

A very simple loaf from Simply in Season.

FOR PRINTABLE VERSION CLICK HERE: Seeded French Bread

4 cups whole wheat bread flour
2 cups bread flour
2 Tbs active dry yeast
2 Tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups hot water
2 Tbs olive oil
1 egg
2 Tbs water
1-2 Tbs fennel, sesame, or poppy seeds

1. Mix together flours, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bow.

2. Gradually add hot water and olive oil and mix well, adding more flour if needed to make a soft dough. Knead 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise until doubled. Punch down and let rest for 20 minutes. Divide into 3 parts; shape each into an oblong loaf. Place on greased baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Make 4-5 diagonal slices on the top of each loaf.

3. Beat together egg and water in a small bowl and brush on the loaves.

4. Sprinkle seeds over each loaf; let rise until double. Bake in preheated oven at 400F for 20 minutes.

Servings: 32
Yield: 3 loaves

The verdict: This loaf is not as flavorful as other breads, but has a nice texture and a little nuttiness from the sesame seeds. It would be fun to experiment with different seeds. This would be a perfect bread to serve with soup.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/32 of a recipe (1.7 ounces).
Percent daily values based on the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 109.3
Calories From Fat (13%) 13.9
% Daily Value
Total Fat 1.6g 2%
Saturated Fat 0.25g 1%
Cholesterol 6.61mg 2%
Sodium 76.38mg 3%
Potassium 44.33mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 19.78g 7%
Fiber 0.81g 3%
Sugar 0.88g
Protein 3.61g 7%

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