French Bread Baguette

Directions

1. 1
   In a bowl, mix together the flour and the salt.?.
2. 2
   In another bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and half of the flour/salt mixture. Using your hands, mix until it forms a dough. Then, cover with a dish cloth and let sit at room temperature for 3 hours. It should triple in size.
3. 3
   Gently incorporate the rest of the flour/salt, using your hands.?.
4. 4
   Place on a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. It should be supple and elastic when you stop kneading.?.
5. 5
   Lightly oil a bowl. Place dough in bowl. Cover with a dish towel. Let sit for 1 hour. It should double in size.?.
6. 6
   Preheat oven to 450°F Knead again. Then cut dough into 3 parts and form each part into a long baguette. Place on a baking sheet. Let sit for at least 20 minutes.?.
7. 7
   Place a bowl of water in the oven. Bake baguettes for about 25 minutes (maybe less). Remove the bowl of water after 15 minutes of baking.?Voila!
8. 8
   Variations:??Do you like whole wheat baguette recipes? Just use 1 cup White flour and 3 cups Whole Wheat flour!