The Ultimate French Bread

• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• CRUNCHY CRUST GLAZE
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• SOFT CRUST GLAZE
• 1 egg
• water, beaten
• SILKY CRUST GLAZE
• 1 egg
• milk, beaten

1. Add to bread machine according to owner's manual (my machine does liquids first); program for DOUGH or MANUAL.
2. At the end of the cycle, place on lightly floured surface, rolling into a large rectangle; start at the longest end and roll up tightly, pressing seams and tapering each end, tucking under.
3. Place loaf on a greased baking sheet or stone; cover and let rise for one hour until doubled.
4. Near end of rising time, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
5. Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl; brush over loaf generously; snip three diagonal slashes over the top (optional).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, top will be golden brown.
7. VARIATIONS: After rolling dough into a rectangle, (1) sprinkle with grated cheese cheddar is delicious, or (2) generously brush with melted butter & sprinkle some aromatic herbs, or (3) spoon leftover marinara sauce close to the edges, -- then roll up tightly and pinch edges; continue as described in Step #3.
8. VARIATION #2: Mince one small onion (about 1/4 cup) and add to wet ingredients.
9. CREATIVE SUGGESTION: Shape into a round loaf instead of the usual long loaf.
10. BABY FRENCH BREAD LOAFLETS: Divide dough ball into 12 balls, tapering to make mini-loaves; bake 15-20 minutes--watch carefully!
11. FRENCH TWIST: Divide dough into 3 pieces, rolled into 14-16" ropes. Lay them on pan and braid in usual fashion, tuck ends under, stretch out a bit if need be; brush with 2 T. melted butter; cover & rise for about 30 minutes; brush with glaze, bake 20-25 minutes--watch carefully.

water, sugar, salt, bread flour, yeast, glaze, water, salt, glaze, egg, water, silky, egg, milk

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/the-ultimate-french-bread-223483 (may not work)