Lean French Bread

Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast; stir. Gradually add water to flour mixture, beating at low speed of an electric mixer. Beat an additional 2 minutes at medium speed. Stir in enough of the remaining 1 1/4 cups flour to make a soft dough.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over work surface. Turn dough out; knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 to 10 minutes). Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon flour over work surface. Punch dough down; turn out onto floured surface, and knead 4 or 5 times. Divide dough in half. Roll 1 portion of dough into a 15- x 7-inch rectangle. Roll up dough, starting at long side, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets; pinch seam and ends to seal. Repeat with remaining dough.

Place loaves, seam side down, in 2 French baguette pans coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Make 1/4-inch-deep slits diagonally across loaves. Brush with egg white.

Place a shallow pan containing 1 inch of water on bottom rack of oven; place baguette pans on top rack. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until loaves are golden.