Serves: 5
Total Calories: 528
Yield: 2 Medium Rounds

2 tablespoons (2 packets) active dry yeast
2 cups lukewarm water
1 tablespoon salt
6-7 cups white unbleached flour

1. Place the yeast and water in a dishpan or large bowl, and stir with a wooden spoon. Add the salt and 4 cups of flour, and beat with the spoon until well blended.

2. Add 2 more cups of flour, then squeeze the mixture with your hands until the flour disappears. If it is too wet to pick up, add a little more flour. As soon as you can handle the dough, sprinkle with a bit more flour and begin to knead directly in the bowl (or on a floured board), adding more flour as necessary. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball.

3. Spread a little oil on the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the ball of dough, then turn it over, oiled side up. Cover and set in a warm spot for about an hour, or until the dough doubles in bulk. Grease a large baking sheet and set aside.

4. Punch down the risen dough, knead for a minute or so, then form into a ball. Cut in half. Cut off a small piece (about a third) from each half. Shape the two larger pieces into balls, flatten them very slightly, and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion. Form the smaller pieces into slightly flattened balls, and center them on top of the larger ones. Flour your index finger and push it all the way through the center of both balls. Cover the loaves and let rise about 30 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.

5. Place the risen loaves in a preheated 400°F oven. After 30 minutes, reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for about another 20 minutes, or until the loaves are very brown and hollow-sounding when rapped on the bottom with your knuckle. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 5
Total Calories: 528
Calories from Fat: 0

More Recipes from the Great Natural Breads Made Easy Cookbook:
Basic White Bread
English Cottage Bread
French Bread
French Bread-C'est Magnifique!
Green Bread
Tomato-Basil Bread
Cuban Bread
Roadside Potato Bread
Caraway Potato Bread
Semolina Bread
Challah
Rosemary-Olive Oil Bread