Baguettes (Whole Wheat)

Submitted by Sharlene~W

"The water on the bottom of the oven creates steam that gives the bread a crisp crust. Makes three long, thin loaves."

 

• Ready In: 2hrs
• Ingredients: 10
• Yields: 3 loaves
• Serves: 36

ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 1⁄2 cups warm water (100 to 110)
• 3 3⁄4 cups bread flour
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1⁄2 cup semolina flour or 1/2 cup pasta flour
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons salt
• cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1⁄4 cup water

directions

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl, let stand 5 minutes.
2. Add 3 1/2 cups of the bread flour, wheat flour, semolina and salt to yeast mixture; stir with a whisk until well blended.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining bread flour 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent douogh from sticking to hands dough will feel tacky.
5. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top.
6. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
7. (Test by pressing gently into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down, cover and let rest 5 minutes.
8. Divide into thirds.
9. Working with one portion at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), roll each portion into a 16-inch rope on a floured surface.
10. Place ropes on a large baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
11. Cover and let rise 40 minutes or until ropes are doubled in size.
12. Uncover dough.
13. Cut 3 slits in top of each rope.
14. Preheat oven to 425°F.
15. Throw water onto floor of oven (avoiding heating element).
16. Place baking sheet in oven.
17. Quickly close oven door.
18. Bate at 425°F for 30 minutes or until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
19. Remove from pan, and cool on wire racks.
20. Cut each loaf into 12 slices.

Reviews

[Mickey in MN]

I didn't need all the flour - I maybe had a cup leftover. I actually used my kitchen aid mixer to help me knead it. I wish I would have watched the bread for doneness because it got a little over-browned but good tasting and tender inside.