Crusty Homemade Bread - With Variations
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
SERVES: 16
YIELD: 1 round loaf
UNITS: US
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DIRECTIONS
- BASIC:
- In small bowl, dissolve yeast in wter.
- In large bowl, mix 3 1/2 cups flour and salt.
- Using rubber spatula add yeast mixture, stirring just until smooth (dough will be sticky). DO NOT knead.
- Cover with plastic wrap; let rise at room temperature 1 hour.
- Punch down dough.
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Pat into a 9" square.
- Fold dough into thirds, forming a 3" square.
- Turn dough over; place in a greased bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap; let rise at room temperature until almost doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down dough and repeat folding process. Return dough to bowl; refrigerate, covered, overnight.
- Line Bottom of a disposable foil rosting pan with parchment paper.
- Dust with cornmeal.
- Turn dough onta floured surface.
- Knead gently 8 times; shape into a 6" round lof.
- Place in prepared pan; dust top with remaining 1 Tablespoon of flour.
- 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.
- Preheat oven to 500. Using a sharp knife, make a slash (1/4" deep) across top of loaf.
- Cover pan tightly with foil.
- Bake on lowest oven rack for 25 minutes.
- Reduce oven setting to 450.
- Remove foil; bake 25-30 minutes longer or until deep golden brown.
- Remove loaf to a wire rack to cool.
- CHEDDAR CHEESE Variation:
- Prepare bread dough as directed.
- Before kneading dough in Step 4, sprinkle with 4 ounces diced sharp cheedar cheese.
- CRANBERRY n ORANGE Variation:
- Prepare bread dough as directed.
- Before Kneading dough in Step 4 sprinkle with 1 cup dried cranberries and 4 teaspoons grated orange peel.
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