French Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Combine 1/2 cup flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl, stirring well. Gradually add water, sour cream, and vinegar to flour mixture, beating well at low speed of an electric mixer until blended. Beat an additional 2 minutes at medium speed. Gradually stir in enough of the remaining 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour to make a soft dough.
2. 2
   Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour evenly over work surface. Turn dough out onto floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes). Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
3. 3
   Punch dough down, and knead lightly 4 or 5 times. Divide dough in half. Roll 1 portion of dough into a 4- x 5-inch rectangle. Roll up dough, starting at long side, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets; pinch ends to seal. Place dough, seam side down, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Repeat procedure with remaining dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 20 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
4. 4
   Gently make 3 or 4 slits, about 1/4-inch deep, diagonally across each loaf, using a sharp knife coated with cooking spray. Combine egg white and 1 tablespoon water; brush loaves with egg white mixture, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until loaves are golden and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from baking sheet, and let cool on a wire rack.