We LOVE this bread for toast, sandwiches, or just eating warm with butter. I use the bread maker to mix the dough due to arthritis in my hands but do the rest by hand.
Italian Bread
- 1 1/3 c. warm water
- 1 1/2 tsp oil
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 c. bread flour (do not pack into the measuring cup; measure loosely)
- 2 1/4 tsp. yeast
- 1 egg white, whisked briskly for egg wash
Add first 6 ingredients to bread maker pan in the order listed. Mix dough and let rise until dough cycle ends. Remove dough and shape into a loaf shape and place onto greased cookie sheet; make 3 diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf, about 1/4 inch deep. Let rise until almost double in size. Brush with egg wash on top and sides of loaf. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 25 - 27 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting, if you can wait that long! Yum!
