4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon olive oil, optional
Dissolve sugar in warm water
Add yeast
Let stand until foamy
Mix flour and salt in a bowl
Add yeast mixture to flour
Mix until a rough dough forms
Knead until smooth and elastic
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl
Cover and let rise until doubled in size
Punch down the dough
Divide dough into 2 or 3 pieces
Shape each piece into a long baguette
Place on a baking sheet or baguette pan
Cover and let rise until puffy
Preheat oven to 450°F
Make shallow diagonal slashes on top
Bake with steam for 20 to 25 minutes
Bake until golden brown and crisp
Cool on a wire rack