mama d's italian bread

Ingredients

• Servings: 3
• 3 cups warm water (110 degrees f/45 degrees c)
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 7 cups all-purpose flour

Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ready Time: 2 hrs 50 mins


• add the sugar and yeast to the warm water and let proof.
• stir in 4 cups of flour and beat until smooth. cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
• beat in the salt and then add enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough. knead until as soft and smooth as a bambino's behind. turn in a greased bowl, cover, and let double in size. (i put it in the oven with the light on - perfect rising temperature.)
• once doubled, punch down and divide into three. place back in the bowl, cover, and let rise.
• once doubled again, punch down and form into three fat "footballs." grease heavy cookie sheets and sprinkle with corn meal. place the bread on the sheets, cover with a towel, and let rise.
• once risen, mist with water and place in a preheated 450 degrees f (230 degrees c) oven. mist loaves with water and turn occasionally while they bake. bread is done when golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.