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Italian Bread 101

Reggie Dwork <reggie@jeff-and-reggie.com>
Sat, 23 Jul 2022 21:31:05 -0700
v122.n024.5
* Exported from MasterCook *

                             Bread, Italian 101

Recipe By     :PJ Hamel
Serving Size  : 18    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Bread                           Bread Machine
                 Bread-Bakers Mailing List       Hand Made
                 Posted

   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                         Overnight Starter:
   90             grams  all-purpose flour -- (3/4C)
      1/2           cup  water -- (170g), lukewarm
      1/8      teaspoon  active dry yeast -- or instant yeast
                         Dough:
   2          teaspoons  active dry yeast -- or instant yeast
      3/4           cup  water -- (170g), lukewarm
   326            grams  all-purpose flour -- (2 3/4C)
   1 1/4      teaspoons  salt -- (8g)
                         Topping:
   1              large  egg -- beaten with the water
   1         tablespoon  water
                         sesame seeds

To make the starter: Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently 
spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Mix the starter 
ingredients in a small bowl, cover, and let rest at room temperature overnight.

Combine the starter and the remainder of the dough ingredients. Mix, 
then knead the dough ? by hand, mixer, or bread machine set on the 
dough cycle ? to make a soft, fairly smooth dough.

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover the bowl or 
bucket, and allow the dough to rise for 90 minutes, turning it over 
and gently deflating it after 45 minutes. If you're using a bread 
machine, remove the dough when the cycle is finished, deflate it 
gently, and let it rest, covered, for 30 minutes.

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased work surface, and divide it 
into three pieces.

Roll each piece of dough into an 18" rope. Braid the ropes (tucking 
the ends under), and set the braid on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Cover the braid, and let rise it rise for about 60 to 90 minutes, or 
until it's very puffy. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat 
the oven to 425F.

Uncover the braid. Brush it with the egg white glaze, and sprinkle it 
heavily with sesame seeds.

Bake the braid for 25 to 35 minutes; the longer it bakes, the 
crunchier it'll be. When fully baked, the braid's internal 
temperature should measure at least 190F on a digital thermometer.

Remove the braid from the oven and cool it on a rack. For extra 
crispness, cool it in the turned-off oven with the door propped open.

Store the braid in a paper bag for 24 hours; wrap in plastic and 
freeze for longer storage.

S(Internet address):
   https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/italian-bread-101-recipe
Yield:
   "1 loaf"
                                     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 90 Calories; 1g Fat (5.4% 
calories from fat); 3g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 
12mg Cholesterol; 153mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean 
Meat; 0 Fat.

NOTES : 2022 - 0723