Quick, Crusty Bread
 
 
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 T. cane sugar
  • 1 c. warm water (115˚-120˚)
  • 1.5 tsp. yeast
  • 1 tsp. real salt
  • 2.5-3 cups flour
  • {egg wash, see below}
Instructions
  1. Add sugar to warm water and stir gently to dissolve.
  2. Sprinkle yeast over water, stir gently.
  3. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  4. Combine flour and salt.
  5. Add 2.5 cups to water and combine.
  6. Once it forms a ball, dump out on counter and knead, adding extra flour if needed.
  7. Knead until dough is smooth.
  8. Grease a bowl with olive oil and allow dough to rise for about 20 minutes in a warm area (80˚ is perfect) covered lightly with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
  9. After 20 minutes, knead dough again for about 2 minutes.
  10. Smooth dough and place in a greased pan to bake.
  11. Allow to rise in a warm place for 20 minutes covered with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
  12. Place a pan of boiling water on the bottom rack of the oven.
  13. Brush dough with egg wash. (1 raw egg mixed with 1 tsp. water)
  14. Cut slits in the top of dough in a diamond pattern with a very sharp knife.
  15. Place dough in cold oven and set oven to 400˚.
  16. Bake until dough is 190˚ when checked with an instant read thermometer or when the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped (about 30 minutes).
Recipe by Mr. Farmer's Daughter at http://www.mrfarmersdaughter.com/quick-crusty-bread/