[sion01]

I have been baking my own bread for about 2 years and very nice it is too.but recently I tried to make a french bread stick but it just looked and tasted like a long thin loaf.How do I get it round and crispy like in the shop

[Poolfield2]

I don't know the full answer but French flour helps as does a very high temperature in the oven and steam helps develop the crust.

[Ice]

I think Poolfield2 hit the nail on the head with the steam thing.

[hamstergbert]

I believe the key to be particularly high gluten content flour.

[Trillium]

Yep, definitely the flour. A local baker of french style bread and pastry actually imports French flour to get proper results. There's probably another technique or two involved but the flour is key.