Savoring Tradition: Le Diplomate's Extraordinary Bread Basket Pt.1

Indulge in the time-honored tradition of breaking bread as we unravel the secrets behind Le Diplomate's extraordinary bread basket. Whether you're dining in the heart of Washington, D.C., or recreating the magic at home, this culinary delight is sure to elevate any meal to a memorable experience.

Recipe: Le Diplomate French Baguette

Ingredients:
- 500 grams (about 4 cups) bread flour
- 10 grams (2 teaspoons) salt
- 7 grams (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 350 milliliters (about 1 ½ cups) water, at room temperature
- Cornmeal or semolina flour, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Mixing the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Gradually add the room temperature water to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

2. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Shaping the Baguette:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, gently deflate it by pressing down on it with your fingertips.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into three equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a rough rectangle, then fold the long edges towards the center, overlapping slightly, and seal the seam by pinching it together.
- Roll each portion of dough into a log, tapering the ends slightly to form a traditional baguette shape.

4. Second Rise:
- Place the shaped baguettes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to expand.
- Cover the baguettes loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise at room temperature for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size and are puffy.

5. Baking:
- While the baguettes are rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven.
- Once the baguettes have finished their second rise, gently score the tops of each baguette with a sharp knife or razor blade to create slashes.
- Just before baking, brush the baguettes with a little water and sprinkle them with cornmeal or semolina flour for added texture.
- Transfer the baguettes to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

6. Cooling and Serving:
- Remove the baguettes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve the freshly baked Le Diplomate French Baguette with your favorite spreads, cheeses, or as a side to soups and salads.

Enjoy the authentic taste and texture of a classic French baguette, straight from your own kitchen, courtesy of Le Diplomate's renowned recipe!

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