Schlotzsky's Deli Bread

This is a clone of the bread for Schlotsky's sandwich bread. It also makes wonderful toast. Schlotsky's is a chain delicatessen. I'm not sure where all their locations are but they are popular in Texas. See the recipe for the muffalata filling that is outstanding on this sandwich.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Yields: 8 buns

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  lukewarm water
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 1 (1/4ounce) package  yeast
• 3⁄4 cup  lukewarm milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 1⁄2 cups bread flour (all-purpose will work)
•  cornmeal

Directions

1. Stir water, sugar and yeast together and set aside.
2. Dissolve baking soda in 1/2 tablespoon warm water in medium bowl.
3. Add warm milk, salt and 1 cup flour; beat till smooth.
4. Beat in yeast mixture and remaining flour (batter will be thick and sticky, but not as thick as normal bread batter).
5. Spray two pie pans with cooking spray and dust with cornmeal.
6. Divide dough and place in pie pans, cover and let rise for 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 375ºF and bake for 20 minutes till golden.
8. Cool 1 hour and cut in fourths.