THE VERY BEST ITALIAN BREAD!

The Very Best Italian Bread! image

Provided by Dine Dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 2 loaves

Number Of Ingredients 9

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4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 1/3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons cornmeal

Steps:

Place flour, brown sugar, warm water, salt, olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
Select dough cycle; press Start.
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Form dough into two loaves.
Place the loaves seam side down on a cutting board generously sprinkled with cornmeal.
Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise, until doubled in volume about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water.
Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture.
Make a single long, quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife.
Gently shake the cutting board to make sure that the loaves are not sticking.
If they stick, use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen.
Slide the loaves onto a baking sheet with one quick but careful motion.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.