I made a loaf of French bread from The Wise Encyclopedia of Cookery. I reduced the yeast by 1/4 teaspoon. With 2 teaspoons yeast, both rises were normal length. But there wasn't as much oven rise. The reduction didn't affect the crumb. I can't say I'll go back to the 2-1/4 teaspoons yeast because of the yeast shortage, but I prefer the higher oven rise.
The bread is crustier than I like. Would brushing-on the egg white wash too heavily make it crustier? I used a newer brush that I think is 4" and have only used twice before. I'm thinking it may have picked up too much of the egg wash.
