Crusty Homemade Bread - With Variations

Submitted by Bonnie G #2

"When I saw this in my TOH magazine knew I had to try it, only 5 ingredients in the basic recipe and the result is a lovely crusty outer and a pillowy soft inside. The house smelled awesome while it was baking, DH has officially decided that other than sourdough - this is his all time favorite. So try it plain, stud it with cheese or fold in orange peel and cranberries - your family is sure to love it. Be sure to plan ahead as it sits in the fridge overnight. Prep time does not include rising"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 10mins
• Ingredients: 6
• Yields: 1 round loaf
• Serves: 16

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1⁄3 cups water
• 3 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, plus
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal or 1 tablespoon additional flour

directions

1. BASIC:

2. In small bowl, dissolve yeast in wter.
3. In large bowl, mix 3 1/2 cups flour and salt.
4. Using rubber spatula add yeast mixture, stirring just until smooth (dough will be sticky). DO NOT knead.
5. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise at room temperature 1 hour.
6. Punch down dough.
7. Turn onto a lightly floured surface.
8. Pat into a 9" square.
9. Fold dough into thirds, forming a 3" square.
10. Turn dough over; place in a greased bowl.
11. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise at room temperature until almost doubled, about 1 hour.
12. Punch down dough and repeat folding process. Return dough to bowl; refrigerate, covered, overnight.
13. Line Bottom of a disposable foil rosting pan with parchment paper.
14. Dust with cornmeal.
15. Turn dough onta floured surface.
16. Knead gently 8 times; shape into a 6" round lof.
17. Place in prepared pan; dust top with remaining 1 Tablespoon of flour.
18. Cover pan with plastic wrap; let rise at room temperature until dough expands in size to a 7 1/2: loaf, bout 1 1/4 hours.
19. Preheat oven to 500. Using a sharp knife, make a slash (1/4" deep) across top of loaf.
20. Cover pan tightly with foil.
21. Bake on lowest oven rack for 25 minutes.
22. Reduce oven setting to 450.
23. Remove foil; bake 25-30 minutes longer or until deep golden brown.
24. Remove loaf to a wire rack to cool.

25. CHEDDAR CHEESE Variation:

26. Prepare bread dough as directed.
27. Before kneading dough in Step 4, sprinkle with 4 ounces diced sharp cheedar cheese.

28. CRANBERRY n ORANGE Variation:

29. Prepare bread dough as directed.
30. Before Kneading dough in Step 4 sprinkle with 1 cup dried cranberries and 4 teaspoons grated orange peel.