The Very Best Italian Bread! |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 40 Minutes |
Ready In: 70 Minutes Servings: 12 |
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My friend Leslie passed this recipe on to me. It makes 2 loaves, which is always wonderful because you can share a fresh baked loaf of wonderful bread with a friend. Easy to make using both your bread machine and your oven. Ingredients:
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour |
1 tablespoon light brown sugar |
1 1/3 cups warm water (110 degrees f/45 degrees c) |
1 1/2 teaspoons salt |
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil |
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast |
1 egg |
1 tablespoon water |
2 tablespoons cornmeal |
Directions:
1. Place flour, brown sugar, warm water, salt, olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Select dough cycle; press Start.
3. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Form dough into two loaves.
5. Place the loaves seam side down on a cutting board generously sprinkled with cornmeal.
6. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise, until doubled in volume about 40 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
8. In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water.
9. Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture.
10. Make a single long, quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife.
11. Gently shake the cutting board to make sure that the loaves are not sticking.
12. If they stick, use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen.
13. Slide the loaves onto a baking sheet with one quick but careful motion.
14. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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