Pan Cubano

By efriend

With a crisp crust on the outside and a lightly textured inside, a warm, fresh-baked loaf of Cuban bread is the next best thing to heaven.


Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 2 cups bread flour (see instructions)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (see instructions)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup lard (melted in microwave)
• 2 tablespoons warm water (to brush on loaves before baking)

Preparation

Step 1

Using the Straight dough method (adding all ingredients at once) start by adding your liquids first followed by the dry ingredients

mix on low speed for 3 min.

mix on speed 2 until dough releases from the side

remove dough to lightly floured surface and knead dough for about 1-2 mins

Add dough in grease container to allow rising until double in size about 90 mins

Punch dough down and shape oval shape and allow to rest for 10 mins

Shape loaf and allow to rise.

Half way through the rising preheat oven to 425*F

Before baking score bread down the center and place in oven

Bake bread on a stone or half sheet pan for 20-25 min.