French Bread Recipe (Bread Machine)

So today I had a strange craving for French bread but didn't want to have to go all the way to the store, so I decided to make it!

I found this fantastic EASY bread machine recipe from Food.com (I added my own modifications):

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1 egg white mixed with 1 Tbsp water (OPTIONAL)

Directions:

1. Place ingredients in bread machine according to manufacturers directions.
2. Start machine on dough setting.
3. When dough cycle is complete, remove dough with floured hands and cut in half on floured surface.
4. Take each half of dough and roll to make a loaf about 12 inches long in the shape of French bread.
5. Place on greased baking sheet. Cut slits about 1/4 inch deep in loaves, and cover with a towel. Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. 
6. Brush with egg white and water mixture (OPTIONAL).
7. Preheat oven to 425°.
8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown, turning pan around once halfway during baking.
9. Remove baked loaves to wire racks to cool.