Kittencal's French Bread/Baguette (Stand Mixer Method)

Step 1: Attach the dough hook to heavy duty stand mixer.

Step 2: In a small cup or bowl mix 1 teaspoon sugar into 1 cup warm water until combined.

Step 3: Stir in 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast and mix gently.

Step 4: Cover the cup and allow to proof until foamy (about 8 minutes, if the yeast does not foam discard and make again).

Step 5: Place 5 1/2 cups flour in the stainless steel mixing bowl along with the salt, sugar and 5 tablespoons oil.

Step 6: After the yeast has proofed add to the bowl along with remaining 1 cup warm water.

Step 7: Start kneading process adding in more flour a tablespoon at a time as needed to create a soft smooth semi-sticky dough (kneading should take about 8 minutes).

Step 8: Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface; cover with a clean tea towel and let rest for 3 minutes (this is important, allow to sit for 3 minutes).

Step 9: Oil a large deep bowl.

Step 10: Gather up the dough and gently knead into a ball (the dough will come together easily after resting).

Step 11: Place the dough into the bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 12: Punch down the dough and remove to a lightly floured surface.

Step 13: Divide the dough evenly in half.

Step 14: Cover both pieces of dough and allow to rest for 5 minutes (this will make shaping the dough easier).

Step 15: Roll each dough into about a 9 x 12-inch rectangle, then roll up jelly-roll fashion starting at long edge.

Step 16: Seal edges and seam of each loaf.

Step 17: Grease a large jelly-roll pan then sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons cornmeal.

Step 18: Place the two long shaped loaves onto the pan seam-side down spacing apart.

Step 19: Using a razor blade or a small sharp knife slash each loaf 3 times diagonally.

Step 20: In a small cup whisk an egg white then brush over each loaf.

Step 21: Sprinkle the tops with about 2 teaspoons sesasme seeds for each loaf.

Step 22: Cover with a clean tea towel and allow to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Step 23: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 24: Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.