®
11
Basic Italian Bread
Yield: 1 16 oz. loaf
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
6 oz. warm water
2 tsp. sugar
1 tbs. dry active yeast
2
1
/
2
cups bread flour + 1 tsp. salt
Egg wash (1 egg yolk +
1
/
2
cup water)
1 tbs. sesame seeds
Method:
1. Combine water, sugar and yeast in a mixing bowl.
Allow yeast to soften and begin fermenting.
2. Place flour/salt in a mixing bowl and add yeast
mixture. Mix on low speed with a dough hook until
flour is well incorporated. Increase to second speed to
knead dough until a smooth elastic ball is formed,
about 6 minutes. If dough appears too dry, add
additional water, or add flour if dough is too sticky.
This process can be done by hand or in a processor.
3. Place dough in a slightly oiled bowl, cover and keep in
a warm place to rise. Allow dough to double in bulk.
Punch the dough down. Roll and shape as desired.
Place in a loaf pan. Allow to rise again to about
double.
4. Place glass bowl on base, wire rack in glass bowl
and lid on bowl. Preheat oven to 475°F for 6 minutes.
5. With a sharp knife, make a slash on the loaf. Brush
with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6. Reduce heat to 400°F and set timer for 30 minutes.
Put loaf pan on wire rack and bake. Check bread
for doneness after 25 minutes.