Preparation:
1. Combine the water, honey, and Worcestershire sauce in the bowl of a heavy- duty electric mixer or in a large mixing bowl. 2. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture, stir in, and let sit for 2 minutes. 3. Combine the spice blend ingredients in a small bowl. 4. Add the dry ingredients and the spice blend to the yeast mixture. 5. Mix with the dough hook (or knead by hand) for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the dough is silky and elastic. 6. Add the tomatoes and continue mixing or kneading for 2 minutes, or until the tomatoes are evenly distributed. 7. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap . 8. Let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours, or until approximately doubled in volume. 9. Punch the dough down. (For longer fermentation and to develop a wheaty, fuller, and more complex flavor, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight at this point. The next day, bring the dough to room temperature, punch down again, and continue as recipe directs.) 10. Place the dough on a well-floured work surface and cut into 2 equal pieces. 11. Sprinkle a baking sheet with cornmeal. 12. Shape the dough into round loaves. See *Note 13. Place the loaves on the prepared baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. 14. Place a baking stone on the middle rack in the oven and preheat to 400°. 15. Uncover the loaves and, using a spray bottle, spritz them with water, then lightly dust with whole-wheat or all-purpose flour. 16. Make 2 or 3 diagonal slashes in the top of the loaves with a serrated knife to allow the dough to expand in the hot oven. 17. Using the spray bottle, spritz the oven walls with water. Work quickly so the oven does not lose heat. 18. Slide the loaves onto the hot stone. 19. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. 20. Transfer the loaves to a rack to cool. Bread Machine Instructions - To make the bread in a bread machine: 1. Combine all the ingredients, except the spice blend and tomatoes, in the bread pan in the order specified by the manufacturer's instructions. 2. Process on the sweet or raisin bread setting (#8). 3. Add the spice blend and tomatoes at the beeps. To prepare the dough in a bread machine: 1. Combine all the ingredients, except the spice blend and tomatoes, in the bread pan in the order specified by the manufacturer's instructions. 2. Process on the dough setting (#9). 3. When the cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface. 4. Knead the spice blend and tomatoes into the dough until evenly distributed. 5. Continue with step 7 of the recipe. *Note: Here are some basic dough-shaping instructions: Round Loaf: Dust the dough with flour and, with both hands, push the middle upward as though you are turning it inside out. Gather the dough at the bottom and pinch it together to seal. Place the loaf seam side down on the work surface and, with your hands cupped on each side, press down gently while moving the dough around in a circular motion, shaping it into a round loaf of even thickn |
