One of the fun things about adding things to your Amazon wish list is being honestly surprised when you get things for your birthday. This year I had an Italian Bread Loaf pan on my list. I have a French Bread Loaf pan... but when I make bigger loaves, it ooshes over the side and when you cut the bread, it looks like Yoda. Sure my kids love it, but that makes weird-shaped French Toast. When unwrapping my gift I had no idea what it could be, then YAY! A loaf pan! This girl gets excited about bakeware - it's true!
We opted for Italian Bread because we were having Italian food for dinner. The bread was delicious and had all the tiny bumps on the bottom... we all declared them to be very cute!Crusty Italian Bread
1 package (2½ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1¼ cups warm water (105-115°)
3 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
cornmeal for dusting
Combine yeast, water, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 cup of flour in mixing bowl. Allow to rest for 10 minutes until the yeast starts bubbling and giving off a “yeasty” smell.
Add the remaining flour, sugar, and salt and mix until the flour is incorporated. Add the olive oil and knead for 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and satiny.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, coating the dough all around with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a wet tea towel and place in a warm spot until the dough has doubled in volume — 45 minutes to an hour or more, depending on temperature.
Punch down the dough, roll into desired loaf shape, cover with plastic again and allow to rise until doubled in volume.
Place a bowl of water in the stove and pre-heat to 425°. Turn down to 400 when you put the bread in. Bake 20-30 minutes, depending on shape of loaves. Bread is finished when it makes a hollow sound when you thump on the bottom with your thumb.
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