Food Nanny's Baguettes

I can't tell you how much I love this bread! The best part is that from when you think about making it to eating it is only an hour. It is ready quickly for such a yummy bread. My family loves it.

1 1/2 c. warm water, divided

1 1/2 T. active dry yeast

2 tsp. sugar, divided

3 1/4 c. flour

2 tsp. salt

Melted butter for brushing on loaves, optional

Combine 1/2 cup water, yeast and 1 tsp. of sugar in a small bowl. Stir to combine and let it stand until bubbly. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer blend the flour, salt, the remaining 1 tsp of sugar, and yeast mixture. Gradually add water, up to 1 cup and mix until the dough forms a smooth ball that is not too sticky to handle. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cut the dough in half and shape the halves into baguettes. Grease a baguette pan or a cookie sheet and place the loaves on the pan. Score the loaves down the middle, cover with a dish towel, and let rise in a warm place about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and place a shallow pan of water in the bottom of the oven to create steam. Bake the baguettes for 15 minutes or until they have a hollow sound when tapped with a knife. If desired, brush the tops of the loaves with butter halfway through baking. For a softer crust, brush with butter when they have finished baking.