Low-Fat Italian-Style Bread |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 2 |
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I sometimes include a touch of oregano to add some 'herbiness' to the bread. It fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma while it bakes, and because the recipe makes two loaves, I usually keep one and give the other to a friend. I like to serve this bread with salad, soup, chili, or stew. CL Reader. Ingredients:
1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) |
1 tablespoon sugar |
2 cups warm water (100° to 110°) |
6 cups all-purpose flour |
2 teaspoons salt |
cooking spray |
2 tablespoons cornmeal |
2 tablespoons cold water |
Directions:
1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Add 5 3/4 cups flour and salt, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).
2. Place the dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, for 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into the dough. If an indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Divide in half. Working with one portion at a time (cover remaining dough to keep from drying), shape each portion into a 12-inch loaf on a floured surface. Place the loaves on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray and sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.
3. Uncover dough. Brush the loaves with cold water; make 5 diagonal cuts 1/4 inch deep across top of each loaf using a sharp knife. Place baking sheet in cold oven, and set to 400°. Bake 40 minutes or until loaves are browned on bottom and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pan, and cool on wire racks.
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