Mama D's Italian Bread

Thank you, Mama D, wherever you are! This Italian bread is AWESOME! It takes a little tweaking depending on the weather, but it turns out so well every time. It has that nice artisan look that makes you look like a bread genius. Make this often. --Mark

Ingredients:

3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tsp white sugar
1 T active dry yeast
1 T salt
7 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Add the sugar and yeast to the warm water and let proof.

Stir in 4 cups of flour and beat until smooth. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

Beat in the salt and then add enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Knead until as soft and smooth as a bambino's behind. Turn in a greased bowl, cover, and let double in size. (I put it in the oven with the light on - perfect rising temperature.)

Once doubled, punch down and divide into three. Place back in the bowl, cover, and let rise.

Once doubled again, punch down and form into three fat "footballs." Grease heavy cookie sheets and sprinkle with corn meal. Place the bread on the sheets, cover with a towel, and let rise.

Once risen, mist with water and place in a preheated 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) oven. Mist loaves with water and turn occasionally while they bake. Bread is done when golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Notes:

Add about 1 T oil to dough. Put pan of water in oven with bread. Score it. Mist every 2-3 minutes for first 10 minutes. Bake about half hour. Use bread flour for some of it. Use LOTS more flour on humid days.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mama-Ds-Italian-Bread/Detail.aspx