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Frozen Italian Bread

"bryan" <bryancar@greenhills.net>
Wed, 9 Jan 2008 09:18:47 -0600
v108.n001.1
This is for Carol and Joe:

2 packages SAF active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups water (105 F to 115 F)
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
6 to 7 1/2 cups AP Flour
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 egg - well beaten
1 tablespoon cold water

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water in mixer bowl. Use speed 5 for 30 
seconds to completely mix
  2. Add flour, oil, and salt.
  3. Attach bowl & dough hook to mixer, turn to Speed 2 and mix about 
1 minute or until well blended.
  4. Knead on Speed 2 about 2 minutes longer. If too sticky, add more 
flour 1 Tbs at a time
  5. Dough may still be sticky. Add a little more flour
  6. Put dough in large greased (olive oil) bowl, turning to coat.
  7. Cover and let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, 
or until doubled in bulk.
  8. Punch dough down, weigh, and divide in two equal pieces.
  9. Roll each piece into 16" x 18" rectangle. Brush rolled out dough 
very lightly with water.
10. Roll dough tightly, from longest side, tapering and tucking ends 
under and pinch together if needed/wanted.
11. Put loaves on baking sheets that have been dusted with cornmeal 
or on parchment paper.
12. Cover and let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, 
or until doubled in bulk.
13. With sharp knife, make 4 diagonal cuts or one long horizontal cut 
(if preferred) on top of each loaf. (Optional)
14. Bake at 400 F for 20 minutes, then remove from oven.
15. Beat egg and water together and brush each loaf with this mix.
16. Return to the oven and bake 5 minutes longer.
17. Immediately remove from baking sheet(s) and cool on wire racks.

This recipe should yield two large loaves.