Italian Bread Using a Bread Machine

Can you smell the aroma ... Oh my goodness! This bread is so good- and it makes your house smell divine.



Italian Bread

• 4 cups Bread Flour (I used White Lily - for Bread Machines)
  
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 1/3 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 envelope active dry yeast (1/4 oz) = 2-1/4 tsp.
  
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal

Directions

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.
2. 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 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3. In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon 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.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped.

My Notes: Step 3 - Add a couple/three shakes of Italian Seasoning, Garlic Salt, Garlic Powder. Mix with egg wash and slather it on; use all of the egg wash mixture. It may seem like a lot - but, it's not. You will be proud how your bread will glisten when you remove it from the oven!

*Forget the cornmeal...line your baking sheet with Parchment Paper.


I wasn't too sure how to roll out the bread. So, here is a video I found helpful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaJU__UTGFs


FOCUS on how she rolls the bread...tucking as she goes - Put on your baking sheet with seams down. (on your parchment paper)


The Neighbors will show up on your doorstep when you make this bread! Disclaimer: If you do not like your neighbor's ... don't make this bread!