My italian bread recipe

Sure, here’s a classic Italian bread recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cornmeal (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprinkled with cornmeal.
6. Second rise: Cover the shaped loaf with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until it puffs up slightly.
7. Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Score the loaf: Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make 2-3 diagonal slashes on top of the loaf. This will help the bread expand while baking.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool: Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked Italian bread! It’s perfect for serving with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, making sandwiches, or enjoying on its own. Buon appetito!