Traditional Artisan Style Baguette - Rustic French Bread

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) packet active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon organic honey
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons natural sea salt
• 4-4 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

Directions

1. 1

   Place the yeast, honey and warm water in a large bowl and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

2. 2

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt and the flour. Use a wooden spoon to stir 2 cups of the flour mixture into the yeast mixture; stir in the remaining flour mixture (dough will be stiff).

3. 3

   Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead with floured hands until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Add a little flour, 1 tablespoon at a time as necessary, to prevent dough from sticking.

4. 4

   Place in an oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap (or a clean kitchen towel) and leave to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.

5. 5

   Preheat oven to 400F degrees.

6. 6

   Gently punch dough down to deflate it and shape into two oblong baguettes. Dust tops lightly with flour and place on a lightly greased baking sheet; let rise uncovered for 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Use a serrated knife to cut 3-5 small diagonal slits across the tops of the baguettes, and lightly sprinkle with cool water.

8. 8

   Bake in the middle of oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack to cool.

9. 9

   Best eaten the same day.