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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 210 Minutes |
Ready In: 240 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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This is one of my granddaughter's favorite. It is wonderful fresh from the oven and served with spaghetti or with a hearty soup (see some of my soups). Slather it with butter for a high calorie treat. It smells soooo good baking. The best part is you don't have to shape the loaves. Just mold them and put them on a baking sheet free form. If they look irregular that is O.K. Ingredients:
2 tablespoons regular dry yeast |
2 1/2 cups water (110 degrees) |
4 cups flour |
1 teaspoon salt, dissolved in |
1 teaspoon water |
2 1/2 cups more flour (added as needed) |
cornmeal |
Directions:
1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. 2. Add the 4 cups flour (this can be done by hand and mixed well or in the mixer using a bread hook). 3. Add the salt water and the extra flour. 4. Knead for 15 minutes, or if you are using a bread hook, beat for 5 minutes. 5. If you need it a little bit more elastic, add a few drops of water. 6. Place dough on a slightly floured counter and cover with a large bowl. 7. Rise 1-2 hours till double; punch down and rise again for 1 1/2 hours. 8. Punch down and mold into 2-3 loaves-DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE SHAPE. 9. Place on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. 10. Rise again. 11. Bake in upper third of your oven-putting a small pan of water on the bottom of the oven for a good crust (you can do this without the water too). 12. Bake 425-450 degree oven for 25 minutes. 13. Watch and if it is getting too brown, cover them with foil. |
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