Bread & Pastries/French bread

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Expert: Elyse Grau - 1/20/2010


Question
Hello Elyse
I have been on a lifelong (well almost), search for a recipe for real french sticks.
Years ago my uncle ran a French bake shop and made the most wonderful French sticks (we call them baguettes today).
I have never been able to duplicate this wonderful bread.
I have been making homemade breads for my family for many years so I have lots of experience in this area and know if I had the right recipe I could do it.
So my question is..Have you ever made a great French stick and would you share the recipe.
Many thanks for taking your time to help others
Ellen  

Answer
Ellen:
See if you can get your hands on a copy of "The Village Baker" by Joe Ortiz. It has wonderful recipes in it, including one for a simple baguette. If you can't find it, I'll copy out the recipe for you. Remember though, that the home oven is no match for a commercial one, and they also use different flours. No matter how good the recipe, it may not come out quite as you are hoping for - but you should be able to get close.

Elyse

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Elyse Grau

Expertise

I can answer any questions about baking. The only thing I'm not too good at is baking pies, nor do I know much about high altitude baking.

Experience

I have been baking for over 30 years. One of my hobbies is creating recipes, most of those for baked goods. I made my own wedding cake. Currently I prefer to bake healthier things. I use a lot of whole wheat and other whole grain flours, and prefer to use less sugar or sugar substitutes in my baking. I do a lot with fruit.

Publications
Hobby Farms Home Gardening How-to BackHome Creswell Chronicle

Education/Credentials
none that apply

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