Ultimate Sourdough Baguettes

These are time consuming but so good! Especially if you aren't close to a good bakery. They make excellent sourdough rolls for sandwiches like french dip.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 25 mins
• Yields: 1 batch

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups  lukewarm water
• 2  cups  proofed  sourdough starter
• 5 -6  cups flour
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 2  teaspoons sugar
• 4  teaspoons  yeast
• 4  teaspoons vital wheat gluten

• Glaze

• 1  egg yolk, lightly beaten (with 1 T water)

• Optional

•  italian seasoning
•  sesame seeds
•  poppy seed

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine water, starter, and 3 c flour, mixing until smooth.
2. Stir in the salt, sugar, yeast, and gluten, then add 2 more cups flour.
3. Stir until starts to pull away from sides of bowl, add only enough flour to make a slack, sticky dough.
4. Knead 5 minutes and turn into an oiled bowl.
5. Let rise 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
6. Deflate and divide into 6 thin or 3 thick baguettes or several rolls.
7. Place at least 4 inches apart from each other.
8. Baguettes should be aprox. 18 inches long.
9. Place a lightly greased piece of plastic wrap on top and let rise 1 hour.
10. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle w/ desired topping.
11. Spray w/ olive oil.
12. Bake in 450°F oven for 20 min, remove from oven, place rack at top of oven.
13. Put bread back in and broil till deep golden brown in color, watching closely!
14. Remove and serve.