Mom’s Italian Bread

• servings: 2 loaves (12 slices each
• active time: 30 min
• total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)

1 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

698 grams (5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the olive oil, sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough.

2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into a loaf. Place each loaf seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across top of each loaf. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.