* 2 cups very warm water * 1 packet yeast * 2 tablespoons sugar * 1 1/2 teaspoon salt * 3-4 cups flour * Optional: 4 T melted butter & * Maldon Sea Salt Flakes * Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. * In Kitchen Aid bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Set the bowl on top of your preheating oven for approx ten minutes. Add the salt and 2 cups of flour and mix with mixing attachment on low speed until well mixed. Switch our mixing attachment for dough hook. On speed level 2, add remaining 1-2 C flour a 1/2c at a time, until the dough becomes soft but not sticky. Continue to knead with dough hook for additional 2 minutes. * Cut the dough into two even pieces. Shape into loaves. Transfer both onto parchment lined French bread pan or cookie sheet. Use kitchen shears to score the loaves. * If you are in a hurry, bake the bread now however it will taste even better if you allow it to rise for an additional 15-30 minutes on top of your warm oven. Brush with melted butter before placing it in oven. * Fill a pitcher with approximately 4 cups of ice. Open your hot oven and place the baking sheet with the baguettes inside, then toss the ice cubes on the bottom of the oven and quickly shut the door. Do NOT open your oven for 15 minutes. Bake until golden brown, about 15-18 minutes. * Optional: brush again with melted butter and sprinkle with Maldon Sea Salt Flakes.
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