Submitted by Mal
King Arthur Flour Hearth Bread
(its also called 'the easiest loaf of bread you'll ever bake')
(this makes 2 loaves, when I make it I make the whole recipe, then freeze one loaf)
1 tablespoon (1 packet) active dry 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
To mix: 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 mix thoroughly
until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough
out onto a floured surface to knead. (This may be a little messy, but
don't give up!)
Knead It: Fold the far edge of the
dough back over on itself towards you. Press into the 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 for 5 minutes,
sprinkling only enough flour on your kneading surface to prevent
sticking. Let the dough rest while you scrape out and grease the mixing
bowl. Knead the dough again for 2 to 3 minutes.
Let It Rise: Return the dough to the
bowl and turn it over once to grease the top. Cover with a damp towel
and keep warm until the dough doubles in bulk, about 1 to 2 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. Let the loaves rest for 5 minutes.
Bake it: Lightly slash the tops of
the loaves 3 or more times diagonally and brush them with cold water.
Place on rack in a cold oven with a roasting pan full of 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 bread, let your shaped loaves rise for 45
minutes. Preheat the oven and roasting pan with water to 500°F for 15
minutes. Brush the loaves with cold water, place in the oven and bake
for 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 400°F and bake for 10 more
minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool and devour!