Tuscan Country Bread

Ingredients

1 package active dry yeast
2 cups water
3 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp sea salt

Preparation

1. Place bread stone on bottom of shelf of oven. Preheat to 400 degrees.
2. In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment combine the yeast, 3 cups flour, and salt and mix on low speed for 30 seconds.
3. Add the warm water and continue to to mix for 1 minute on low speed.
4. Replace paddle for dough hook and continue to mix on low speed while adding the flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough forms a cohesive ball that pulls away from bottom and sides of bowl.
5. Remove the dough to an oiled bowl, coat with oil, cover with plastic, and allow to rise until doubled in a warm draft free spot.
6. Once doubled, punch down the dough, cover with plastic wrap, and knead 10 times, and form into round loaves.
7. Cover the balls with plastic and rest for 4 minutes. Place the formed loaves on a peel dusted with cornmeal and cover with oiled plastic wrap.
8. Allow the loaves to rise until doubled, discard plastic wrap, score the tops with knife to form an X and bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

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