King Arthur Flour’s Hearth Bread Ingredients:
1 tablespoon (1 packet) yeast,
1 tablespoon sugar,
1 tablespoon salt,
2 cups warm water (not over 110°F),
5 1/2 to 6 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour,
cornmeal,
boiling water
Mix It
Mix together the first four ingredients. Let this stand until the yeast, sugar and salt are dissolved. Gradually add the flour to the liquid and mixthoroughly until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn thedough out onto a floured surface to knead. (This may be a little messy, butdon’t give up!)
Knead It
Fold the far edge of the dough back over on itself towards you. Press intothe dough with the heels of your hands and push away. After each push,rotate the dough 90°. Repeat this process in a rhythmic, rocking motion for5 minutes sprinkling only enough flour on your kneading surface to preventsticking. Let the dough rest while you scrape out and grease the mixingbowl. Knead the dough again for 2 to 3 minutes. (Until the original mess isbouncy and smooth!)
Let It Rise
Return the dough to the bowl and turn it over once to grease the top. Coverwith a damp towel and keep warm until the dough doubles in bulk, about 1 to2 hours.
Shape It
Punch down the dough with your fist and briefly knead out any air bubbles. Cut the dough in half and shape into two Italian or French style loaves. Place the loaves on a cookie sheet generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Letthe loaves rest for 5 minutes.
Bake It
Lightly slash the tops of the loaves 3 or more times diagonally and brushthem with cold water. Place on rack in a cold oven with a roasting pan fullof boiling water on the oven bottom. Bake at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow to the touch. For a lighter, crustier King Arthur Flour’s Hearth Bread, let your shaped loaves rise for 45 minutes. Preheat the oven and roasting pan with water to 500°F for 15 minutes. Brushthe loaves with cold water, place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Lowerthe temperature to 400°F and bake for 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven,let cool and devour!
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