Preparation:
*** Slightly adapted for my use from Bread Machine Magic ***
Place all ingredients except cornmeal in breadpan.
Select dough setting and start. At beep, turn dough onto a floured countertop or cutting board. (I spray an acrylic board with Pam and skip the flour). Shape the dough into 12" oblong loaf, 1 large round loaf, 2 18-inch baguettes, or 8 french rolls.
Dust the top with a little flour; rub it in. Place on a cookie sheet dusted with cornmeal. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm over 30 to 45 minutes of until doubled. To warm oven slightly, turn on warm setting for two minutes then turn it off. Be sure to remove bread from the oven to preheat.
Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven. Preheat oven to 450~. Immediately before placing bread in oven, slash tops with a very sharp knife (I use a serratted knife) about 1/2" deep.
Bake round or oblong loaves 20 minues, baguettes about 15 minutes, french rolls bake 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
This is best served within hours of baking. To preserve crisp crust, do not store in plastic wrap or bags. |
