Mama D's Italian Bread

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 3 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 7 cups all-purpose flour , divided, or as needed
• 1 tablespoon salt
• cooking spray

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Add sugar and yeast to the warm water and let proof.

3. 3

   Stir in 4 cups flour and beat until smooth. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Beat in salt and then add enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Knead until soft and smooth. Turn in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.

5. 5

   Once doubled, punch down and divide into three. Place back in the bowl, cover, and let rise again.

6. 6

   Once doubled, punch down and form into three fat "footballs." Grease heavy cookie sheets and sprinkle with cornmeal. Place the bread on the sheets, cover with a towel, and let rise.

7. 7

   Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

8. 8

   Mist loaves with water and place in the preheated oven.

9. 9

   Bake until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, 25 to 30 minutes. Mist loaves with water and turn occasionally while they bake.