Italian Bread

By nurseliz

Ingredients

• Ingredients
• * 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• * 2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
• * 1 teaspoon sugar
• * 2 teaspoons salt
• * 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Details

Servings 24

Preparation

Step 1

Directions

* In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough.
* Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
* Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into a loaf. Place each loaf seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across top of each loaf.
* Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices each).