Baguettes

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
2. 2
   Stir with a fork.
3. 3
   Set aside for 10 minutes.
4. 4
   Combine flour and salt.
5. 5
   Add the yeast mixture, and stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups water.
6. 6
   Mix the dough until it's sticky enough to knead.
7. 7
   On a lightly-floured surface knead for 6-10 minutes.
8. 8
   The dough will be sticky and smooth.
9. 9
   Put the dough in a bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
10. 10
    Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal parts.
11. 11
    Shape each into a baguette, and transfer teh loaves to a lightly-greased baking sheet (you can use butter to grease).
12. 12
    Let rise until doubled.
13. 13
    Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
14. 14
    Pour 2 cups of hot water into a pyrex dish or pan and set in preheated oven next to the baguettes.
15. 15
    Bake 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 400 and bake another 5 minutes until golden brown.
16. 16
    Allow to cool before slicing.