Italian Bread in Bread Machine

By JanetLynn198

Ingredients

• 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 1/3 cups warm water (110F/45C)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp olive oil
• 1 (.25oz) package active dry yeast
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp cornmeal

Details

Servings 2

Preparation

Step 1

Place flour, brown sugar, warm water, salt, olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.

Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Form dough into two loaves. Place the loaves seam side down on a cutting board generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise, until doubled in volume about 40 mins. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375F.

In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tbsp water. Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture. Make a single long, quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife. Gently shake the cutting board to make sure that the loaves are not sticking. If they stick, use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen. Slide the loaves onto a baking sheet with one quick but careful motion.

Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 mins, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.