SIMPLY DELICIOUS ITALIAN BREAD

Simply Delicious Italian Bread image

It's always a joy to watch people's faces when I present them with homemade bread. This recipe makes two loaves-one for you to enjoy and one to share with others.-Nicole Gillenardo, St. Peters, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 2 loaves (12 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cornmeal
1 teaspoon butter, softened

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt and 1 cup flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll each portion into an 8-in. x 6-in. rectangle. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal and tuck ends under., Grease a baking sheet; sprinkle with cornmeal. Place loaves seam side down on prepared pan. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes., Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack; spread with butter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 52 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 100mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.