Baguettes

This popular bread is what most people think of as “French bread.” These long, crisp, and crusty loaves are beloved and remembered by everyone who has ever visited France.

A good baguette is not particularly difficult to prepare, but requires time. Long, slow fermentation develops both the flavor and texture of this relatively plain bread, and that part of the process cannot be rushed. Plan on starting the process the morning of the day before you intend to bake the baguettes—the do