Creating amazing French Baguettes can be straightforward if you follow these carefully curated steps:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Add yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Baguettes: Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal portions. Shape each portion into a long baguette.
7. Second Rise: Place the shaped baguettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
8. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
9. Score the Baguettes: Before baking, gently score the tops of the baguettes with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
10. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the baguettes are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the baguettes cool on a wire rack.

By following these steps, you’ll create beautifully crusty French Baguettes that will impress your family and friends.