Source: Canadian Living Magazine
Rating: Untried
Voila—an easy recipe for delicious French bread. This recipe requires a preliminary batter that stands overnight, so prepare it a day before you need it.
In large bowl, combine starter and water, mixing well. Stir in 2 cups of the flour and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand in warm place for 12 hours or overnight.
Stir sugar and salt into dough. Gradually mix in remaining flour. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
Place dough in lightly greased bowl, turning to grease all over. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours.
Punch dough down and shape into loaf about 12 inches long. Sprinkle cornmeal on baking sheet and place loaf on top. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let stand in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
With sharp knife, make diagonal slashes across top of loaf. Brush top with some of egg white, reserving remaining white. Fill baking pan with boiling water and place on bottom rack of oven. Place bread on centre rack and bake in 400°F (200°C) oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden and bread sounds hollow when tapped, brushing with remaining egg white after 15 minutes. let cool on wire rack. Makes 1 loaf.