Closed Mom's Italian Bread

[Yours]

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 20 min. + cooling
MAKES: 24 servings
Ingredients

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

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Nutritional Facts

1 slice equals 106 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 197 mg sodium,22 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.Diabetic Exchange: 1-1/2 starch.

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into a loaf. Place each loaf seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across top of each loaf. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices each).

Originally published as Mom's Italian Bread in Taste of Home December/January 2010, p73