How to Make Your House Smell Delightful

April in Colorado is always filled with anticipation and longing. Despite the bare brown landscape there is a hint of spring on the wind. Little buds start to form and it seems as if over night daffodils and green shoots spring up. We are a long way from frost-free nights and dinners outside, but still there is hope. These is the time for starting seeds inside and running your fingers through fresh herbs as you close your eyes and dream of spring.

One of my favorite ways to make my house smell delightful is by making bread. This is just a basic French bread but with a hint of spring.

French Bread

Makes Two Loaves

1 tsp dry yeast

1 1/2 cups + 2 Tbs water 100° F

4 cups flour

1-3/4 tsp salt

Fresh herbs, chopped

Combine water and yeast and whisk to dissolve. Let bloom, about 2-3 minutes. Pour into mixing bowl, slowly add flour and mix dough with hook briefly or by hand with a wooden spoon. Add salt and herbs.

Knead on medium low speed for 4-5 minutes, or by hand 5-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth. Place in a lightly greased bowl and cover. Let rise until double in size, about one hour. Punch down and turn onto a clean surface. Divide into two and let rest for 5 minutes.

Form into baguette by gently pressing into a rough rectangle long side facing you. Role the long edge towards you about an inch and press firmly into the edge of the fold at a 45° angle across edge to create a seal. Repeat until dough is completely rolled up. Pinch the seams and place the seam at the bottom. Place on flour dusted baguette pan, cover and let double, about 30 minutes.

Slash using a razor in three slashes down the baguette. Fill a container that oven safe with one cup of water. Place this on the lowest oven rack. Bake in preheated 480° oven.

Baguettes are finished when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 200°.