Italian Bread Using a Bread Machine

Ingredients

• 1.33 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 1.5 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 package active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Place 1 1/3 cups warm water, olive oil, flour, brown sugar, salt, and yeast into a bread machine in the order listed, or follow the order recommended by your manufacturer if different. Run the Dough cycle, about 90 minutes.

3. 3

   Sprinkle cornmeal onto a cutting board. Punch down dough, turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and form into two loaves.

4. 4

   Place loaves, seam-side down, onto the cutting board; cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

6. 6

   Beat egg and 1 tablespoon water together in a small bowl; brush over risen loaves.

7. 7

   Use a sharp knife to quickly cut one long slash down the center of each loaf.

8. 8

   Gently shake the cutting board to make sure the loaves are not sticking; use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen them if necessary. Slide loaves onto a baking sheet with a quick but careful motion.

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, 30 to 35 minutes.