Quick Sourdough Baguettes

Another recipe that was a staple in my house growing up. It is amazingly easy and quick. Unlike normal bread making, the measurements don't have to be perfect. My moms turns out wonderfully every time, and believe me she roughly measures everything.

I make this in a bread machine. Never bake your bread in one though, that is my philosophy anyways. The bread machine mixes it all up for you and provides the perfect conditions to rise in. Make sure you select the dough setting. I have found out why it wasn't rising the hard way, no fun. In its first few minutes of mixing, if it looks to dry or wet add more water or flour.

I have never tried it, but I am sure it would work just as well in a stand mixer with a dough hook. You would let it rise, covered with a damp towel, in a warm place. I find that a good place is in the oven, when it is off, with the oven light on. Let it rise for about an hour to an hour and a half. During baking, a pan with water in the oven during baking creates steam. The steam keeps the outside of the bread moist, allowing it to rise more in the first few minutes of baking. It makes a world of difference.

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups warm water (microwave for 75 seconds)
1 tablespoon yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 overflowing/mounded cups of bread flour
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in the order listed in a bread machine. Using your bread machines "dough" setting, mix and let the bread rise.
2. Preheat oven to 500F, with a small pan or ramekin with water on the bottom shelf. Remove dough from bread machine, onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into half and shape into two long cylinders. Place on a greased baking sheet or baguette pan, letting them rise until oven is heated. Bake for 15 minutes or golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting.