To make French bread, you will need the following ingredients: flour, water, yeast, salt, and optionally sugar. Here is a basic recipe you can follow:
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In a mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
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Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
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Punch down the dough and shape it into a long, slender loaf.
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Place the loaf on a baking sheet, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Before baking, make 3-4 diagonal slashes on top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
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Bake the French bread for about 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade French bread!
