Authentic French Bread (low fat, low calorie recipe)
Bread Machine Recipe


 

authentic French BreadThis French bread recipe is probably the easiest bread recipe to make. It is so simple!

For more great Low Fat Recipes, Low Calorie Recipes, Low Carbohydrate recipes, and Diabetic  Recipes, check out my Diet Recipe Index. Also check out my Nutritional Chart for fat grams, fiber grams, and calories for all your favorite foods.

Check out Linda's Bread Making Hints: Quick Breads,  Bread Machine Breads,  Secrets to using the bread machine About Yeast in Bread Making, and Sourdough Starter.

Check out all of Linda's great Bread Recipes for your bread making.


Authentic French Bread

1 cup warm water (110 degrees F.)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups bread flour 
3 teaspoons Instant Active Dry Yeast
Cornmeal (optional for dusting pan)

Place all ingredients except cornmeal in bread pan of your bread machine. Select dough setting and press start. Check the dough (don't be afraid to open the lid). It should form a nice elastic ball. If you think the dough is too moist, add additional flour (a tablespoon at a time). The same is true if the dough is looking dry and gnarly. Add warm water (a tablespoon at a time).

When dough cycle has finished, remove dough from pan and turn out onto a lightly-oiled surface. (I use a nonstick cooking spray). Form dough into an oval, cover with a plastic wrap and let rest for 10 to 15  minutes.


Kneading Dough Hints & Tips:

Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour or bread flour. Place a small mound or a measuring cup of flour near the work surface as you will use this flour to sprinkle over the dough as you knead to prevent sticking. Also lightly dust your hands with flour to keep the dough from sticking to you.

Gather the dough into a rough ball and place on your floured work surface.

When you knead, you will use only the heels of your hands. Push down on dough with your hand heels.

Fold the dough in half. Turn the dough about 45 degrees and knead with your hand heels again. Continue to knead, fold and turn the dough for the required length of time or to the consistency suggested. I usually knead the dough around 5 minutes. Well-kneaded dough should feel smooth and elastic. Press your fingertip into the dough; it should spring back.
 

After resting, turn dough bottom side up and press to flatten. Fold dough into an envelope by folding the top 1/3 of the way to the bottom. Then fold the bottom a 1/3 of the way over the top. Then press dough with the palm of your hand to make an indentation down the center of the dough and fold the top completely to the bottom, sealing the seam with the palm of your hand. Place on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or covered with a silpad. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot to rise, approximately 20 minutes.

Oven Bread Rising: Sometimes I use my oven for the rising. Turn the oven on for a minute or so, then turn it off again. This will warm the oven and make it a great environment for rising bread. If you can't comfortably press your hand against the inside of the oven door, the oven is too hot. Let it stand open to cool a bit. Sourdough rises more slowly than yeast bread; Always remember, the longer the rise time, the more sourdough flavor.

Cool or Refrigerator Bread Rise: If I don't have the time to wait for the rise to finish or I know that I will be interrupted before the completed rise, I do a cool rise. A cool rise is when the dough is place in the refrigerator and left to rise slowly over night approximately 8 to 12 hours. I usually do this after the first rise and the dough has been shaped into a loaf. As this is a longer rise time, it improves the sourdough flavor in your finished bread.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. After rising, slash the bread with a very sharp knife making three 1/2-inch deep diagonal slashes. Brush or spray the top of the bread with cold water and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until nicely browned. (A good check is to use an instant digital thermometer to test your bread. The temperature should be between 200 and 210 degrees.)

CORNSTARCH GLAZE:
NOTE: This is a typical mixture that professional bakers use to get that characteristic sheen on breads. I keep this mixture in my refrigerator to use on all the breads I bake.

1/2 cup cold water
1 teaspoon cornstarch.

In a small saucepan, with a small whisk, stir together water and cornstarch. Heat mixture to a gentle boil. Stir, reduce heat, until mixture thickens and is translucent. Cool. Brush on loaf about 10 minutes before baking is finished and again 3 minutes before bread is completely done.

 

French Bread - Nutritional Information

I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the below information. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.
 

Item Amount Fat Grams Carbohydrate Grams Calories
flour, bread 3 cups 3.6 285 1365
Yeast, Bakers, rapid rise or instant 1/4 ounce 0 20 20
Loaf of Bread Total 3.6 305 1365


NOTE: Your homemade bread may be used on your diet. Just weigh your bread slice on a digital scale for a 1-ounce slice.  Typical loaf of bread = 14 slices.

1-ounce slice = 2.5 fat grams, 21.7 carb grams, 97.5 calories