Classic Baguettes

​The Baguettes I made last time were yummy, but I’m testing lots of different recipes. This time I tried the Classic Baguettes from King Arthur Baking.
 
This recipe was relatively easy – you just have to plan ahead.  I made the starter/poolish at 5pm the night before to give it plenty of time to expand and become bubbly by the morning.
 
The next morning, I got started on the next step at 7am. For step 2, I used my KitchenAid and that worked great.
 
There are a lot of steps, so this is not an ideal undertaking if you have a lot of activities the next morning. The good thing is it'll be all done baking by lunchtime.
 
For Step 8 I used a baker’s couche and that worked better than I expected.
 
The only change to the recipe for me was for Step 12. I already had the cast iron pan heating in the bottom of the oven. Once I placed the bread in the oven, then I added 2 cups of ice cubes to the cast iron pan and shut the door quickly.
 
I cooked them for exactly 25 minutes, and they were as yummy as they were pretty. My son commented that I got the “cuts” right this time.  The difference is that I have more practice with the baker’s lame. Definitely my best try at baguettes so far. This recipe is a keeper, as long as you plan and schedule ahead of time for it.  (Not unlike any of other bread!)
 
If you try this one, let me know how it goes!

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