National French Bread Day

National French Bread Day bakes up a delicious celebration enjoyed by millions across the United States each year on March 21st.

French bread, also known as a baguette, is a long thin loaf made from basic lean dough. Its length and its crisp crust define it. Over time, French law has established what is and what is not a baguette. In 1920, a labor law prevented bakers from starting their day before 4 a.m. Bread makers know that breadmaking is a tactile industry. The kneading and resting of the dough are just as important as the ingredients. When the law limited their day, the bakers knew their product so well they adjusted by re-shaping their loaves of bread. The long, narrow loaves baked more quickly and evenly. As a result, patrons found the new loaves more convenient for slicing and storing.

These sturdy loaves make delicious sandwiches, but they also go well with any soup. Any leftover bread makes delicious French toast, too!

The French are known for their high standards where culinary arts are concerned. To preserve quality in their bread, laws were passed requiring minimum quantities of certain quality ingredients in each loaf of bread.