These crunchy baguettes feature a chewy interior riddled with holes, and a crisp, deep-gold crust. While it's a challenge to make "real" baguettes at home, this version is probably as close to an artisan bakery version as you're going to find. And hey, all you vegans out there: this is probably my favorite vegan recipe. It's beautiful in the utter simplicity of its ingredients.

Step-by-step photos illustrating how to make this recipe are available at Bakers' Banter, our King Arthur blog.

Our guarantee: These baguettes, right out of the oven, will have a crunchy crust; later, the crust will become chewy. They'll be a deep golden brown, about 16" long, and 1 3/4" to 2 1/2" in diameter. More...