you will enjoy the yeasty aroma, the soft interior, the crunchy crust, & the warm feeling of sharing these baguettes with your loved ones this Monday morning!
(makes 2 & takes 10 mins active + 70 mins idle)
ingredients
2 tbsp + 1/2 cup maple syrup (this is the best)
2 envelopes dry active yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
canola oil, for greasing
4 ice cubes
3 tbsp unsalted butter
procedure
1. in a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp maple syrup, yeast, & ½ cup warm water. let sit 5 minutes. in a large bowl, mix flour & salt. add yeast mixture & 1 cup warm water. on a floured surface, knead dough 4 minutes.
2. make dough a ball & place in bowl greased with oil. cover with cloth & keep in warm place 25 minutes. punch down dough & divide in half. on a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape 2 baguettes & fold sides into center, sealing with fingertips. stretch to 12" long & 2" wide. fold & seal ends. flip seam down. cover with cloth & let sit in a warm place 25 minutes.
3. preheat oven to 450°F. place a pan on bottom rack. place baguettes tray on middle rack & place ice in bottom-rack pan. bake 15 minutes.
4. meanwhile, in a small bowl, whip the butter & maple syrup together. cover & place in fridge 10 minutes. slice & serve baguettes with maple butter.