Italian Bread
Source of Recipe
Mom
List of Ingredients
BASIC DOUGH
1 T or pkg dry yeast
1 3/4 c warm water
1 tsp salt
4 to 5 c all-purpose flour
Extra-virgin olive oil
This dough can be used for breads and pizza, it is simple and very good. It can easily be doubled or tripled.
Recipe
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/4 c of warm water. Allow the yeast to proof until it is foamy, about 10 minutes. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups warm water and salt. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, you may not need all of it. Work the mixture until it comes together in a ball. Place the dough on a floured work surface and knead it for 5 to 10 minutes, folding the dough over on itself several times, until it is shiny and elastic.
Grease a bowl generously with olive oil. Put the dough in it and turn the dough a few times to coat with the oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, plae it in a warm place away from drafts, and let the dough rise for 3 to 4 hours or until doubled in size. The more slowly and the longer the dough rises, the tangier the flavor will be. Punch the dough down, turn it out onto a floured surface, and knead a few times.
Preheat oven to 400 and set a baking stone on the bottom rack to preheat for 30 minutes; or preheat the oven to 375 and lightly grease a baking sheet.
Shape the dough into an oval or round loaf. Place the dough on a baker's peel dusted with cornmeal, if using a baking stone, or on the greased baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Cut several parallel slashes about 1/2" deep in the top of the dough with a razor blade or make an X with scissors. If using a baking stone, sprinkle the preheated stone with cornmeal and carefully slide the bread onto it. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or tunil the crust is golden brown and the loaf is hollow-sounding when the bottom is tapped with your knuckles. If baking on a baking sheet, bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
***It seems like a lot of directions, but this is soooo easy and really good. Good luck.
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