1 & 1/4 c. Warm water

1 T. Olive oil

1 t. Sea salt

3 c. Bread flour

2 t. White sugar

2 & 1/2 t. Yeast

1 egg yolk

Place all ingredients except egg yolk in pan of bread machine.  Be sure to make a well in your dry stuff to put the yeast into!

Set bread machine to “dough” setting. Allow the full cycle to run and then remove dough to lightly floured surface. Using a bench knife or sharp knife divide the dough into two. Shape into long loaves, cover, and let rise in a warm place for a full hour.

I have a pan made specifically for this kind of bread as you see in the picture. But you can get good results without it. A baking couche will also work well. I like my pan because it allows steam to escape.

When rising is compete, brush the loaves gently with the egg yolk beaten with 1 T. water. Bake in preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 – 30 minutes. The longer the  bake, the crustier the bread.

This bread is for hubby’s birthday today – Italian beefs, made from beef that has cooked all night in the crock pot, with lots of spices! The bread is crusty, but also absorbant for all those juices! 

All things done well to the glory of GOD! 

sage