Recipe of the Week 9: 30 minute Baguettes

2 c. very warm water
1 pkt. yeast
2 tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3-4 c. flour

Preheat oven to 425*.  In a large bowl whisk together water, yeast, and sugar.  Set the bowl on top of the preheating oven for at least 10 minutes.  Stir in the salt and the flour 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough becomes soft but not sticky. Knead the dough until elastic.  Cut the dough into 4 even pieces.  Roll each into a thin long rope.  Twist together two of the ropes to form one loaf.  Twist the other two ropes to form a second loaf.  Transfer both to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake loaves now (if you're in a hurry) or let rise for 15-30 minutes on top of the warm oven.  To get a nice crust on the loaves spray water into the oven every 5 minutes.  Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until a nice golden brown.  Serve fresh and hot with butter or olive oil and spices.

*This recipe I found on Pinterest and comes from Babble.  It's good bread and most of the time I don't even bother with the ropes, I just form two loaves of bread.