*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                            MUFFULETTA BREAD

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Breads                           Ethnic

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1       c            Warm water (110F)
  1       tb           Sugar
  1       tb           Active dry yeast
  3       c            Bread flour
  1 1/2   ts           Salt
  2       tb           Vegetable shortening
  1       ea           Sesame seeds

 In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine water and sugar.
 Stir in yeast.  Let stand until foamy, 5 to 10
 minutes.  In a food processor fitted with the steel
 blade, combine 3 cups flour, salt and shortening.  Add
 yeast mixture. Process until dough forms a ball, about
 5 seconds.  Stop machine; check consistency of dough.
 It should be smooth and satiny.  If dough is too dry,
 add more warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time,
 processing just until blended.  If dough is too
 sticky, add more flour, 1 or 2 tablespoons at a time,
 processing just until blended.  Process 20 seconds to
 knead. Lightly oil a large bowl, swirling to coat
 bottom and sides. Place dough in oiled bowl; turn to
 coat all sides.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let
 rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in
 bulk, about 1-1/2 hours. Lightly grease a baking
 sheet.  When dough has doubled in bulk, punch down
 dough; turn out onto a lightly floured surface.  Form
 dough into a round loaf about 10 inches in diameter;
 place on greased baking sheet. Sprinkle top of loaf
 with sesame seeds; press seeds gently into surface of
 loaf. Cover very loosely with plastic wrap; let rise
 until almost doubled in bulk, 1 hour. Place rack in
 centre of oven. Preheat oven to 425F. Remove plastic
 wrap. Bake loaf in centre of preheated oven 10
 minutes. Reduce heat to 375F; bake 25 minutes.  The
 loaf is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on
 bottom. Cool completely on a rack before slicing.
 makes 1 loaf.

 Posted by Rich Harper in Intercook



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