French Bread Recipe

**Title**: 🥖🇫🇷 French Bread Fantasia 🇫🇷🥖 **Introduction**: 🌟 Transport yourself to the streets of Paris with the aroma of freshly baked French bread wafting through your kitchen! With this simple yet sensational recipe, you can recreate the classic elegance and irresistible flavor of authentic French bread right at home. Whether you're planning a cozy brunch or a sophisticated dinner party, this homemade French bread is sure to impress with its crispy crust and soft, airy interior. So, let's embark on a culinary journey and master the art of French baking together! **Ingredients**: 1. 🌾 4 cups bread flour 2. 🥖 1 1/2 cups warm water 3. 🧂 2 teaspoons salt 4. 🍯 2 teaspoons sugar 5. 🍞 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 6. 🌿 Cornmeal, for dusting **Instructions**: 1. 🌟 In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy. 2. 🌾 In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. 3. 🥖 Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture. 4. 🧂 Stir the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms. 5. 🍞 Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. 6. 🌟 Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. 7. 🍯 Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions.