Yummy Foolproof Gluten Free French Bread!

WI Cheesehead's Note:

From Cooking Free by Carol Fenster. This turned out great, even in a regular bread pan. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Carol says: "Put this in a cold oven for a crisp crust and nice texture. If this doesn't work in your oven, let the bread rise until level with top of pan; then bake in preheated 425° F oven for 25-30 minutes. Use a pan specially designed for French bread." It is critical to cool bread completely before slicing and is easier to slice with electric knife. This is a quicker bread because you don't have to let it rise before baking.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 20

• 1 tablespoon sugar or 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110 F)
• 2 cups gluten-free flour (see Gluten Free Flour Blend)
• 1 cup potato starch or 1 cup arrowroot
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1 teaspoon guar gum
• ¼ cup powdered milk (cow, rice or soy)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon Earth Balance margarine or 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 egg white , beaten for wash (optional)

Directions:

1. In bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water and set aside for 5 minutes, or until yeast foams.
2. Grease French bread pan or line with parchment paper.
3. In bowl of a Bosch or Kitchen Aid mixer, combine ingredients, except the egg wash, then add the yeast mixture.
4. Beat on low speed to blend; beat on high speed for 2minutes, stirring down sides with spatula. Dough will be soft.
5. Divide dough in half on the prepared pan. Smooth each half into 12-inch-long logs with wet spatula.
6. Brush with egg wash for glossier crust, if desired. Make 3 diagonal slashes (1/8 inch deep) in each loaf so steam can escape during baking.
7. Place immediately on the middle rack of a COLD oven. Set the temperature at 425° F and bake for 30-35 minutes, until nicely browned.
8. Remove bread from pan; cool completely on wire rack before slicing with electric knife. Makes 2 loaves.

Reviews

[GingerlyJ]

I made this with my white bean and pesto Bruschetta.. excellent!