Rustic White Bread

Total Time: 3 hrs 25 mins Preparation Time: 3 hrs 5 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons dry yeast (1 package)
• 1 cup warm water (100 to 110)
• 3 cups bread flour, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• cooking spray
• 1 teaspoon cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Recipe

• 1 dissolve the yeast in 1 cup warm water in a large bowl, and let stand for 5 minutes.
• 2 lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. add 2 3/4 cups flour and salt to yeast mixture; stir until a soft dough forms. turn dough out a floured surface. knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).
• 3 place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (gently press 2 fingers into dough. if indentation remains, dough has risen enough.).
• 4 punch dough down. cover and let rest 5 minutes. shape dough into a 6-inch round; place on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. lightly coat surface of dough with cooking spray. cover and let rise 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
• 5 preheat oven to 450°.
• 6 uncover dough. combine 1 teaspoon water and egg white, stirring with a whisk; brush over dough. make 3 (4-inch) cuts 1/4 inch deep across top of dough using a sharp knife.
• 7 bake at 450° for 20 minutes or until bread is browned on bottom and sounds hollow when tapped. remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.