Baguette

Bake warm French baguettes with a crisp crust at home with this simple bread baking recipe.
Dilute yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Lightly pour the flour into dry measuring cups; smooth with a knife. Add 2 3/4 cups flour to the yeast mixture; stir until a soft dough forms. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface; sprinkle evenly with salt. Knead until the salt is absorbed and the dough is smooth and elastic (about 6 minutes); add enough remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, so that the dough does not stick to your hands (the dough will be slightly sticky).Place the dough in a large bowl greased with cooking spray, turning it over so that it covers the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 °) for 40 minutes or until the dough is doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into the dough. If there is a recess left, then the dough has risen sufficiently.) Knead the dough; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Divide it in half. Working 1 serving at a time (cover with the remaining batter to prevent drying out), roll out each serving on a floured surface into a 12-inch string that tapers slightly at the ends. Place the rolls on a large baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Lightly brush the dough with cooking spray and cover; let rise for 20 minutes or until doubled in size.Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.Roll out the dough. On each loaf, make 3 diagonal cuts (1/4-inch deep) across the top. Bake at 450 ° C for 20 minutes or until it is browned on the bottom and hollow when tapped.