farmer's bread

Ingredients

• Servings: 1
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water (110 degrees f/45 degrees c)
• 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup butter, chilled and diced

Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 40 mins Ready Time: 2 hrs 30 mins


• in a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
• in a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt. cut in the butter and stir in the yeast mixture. beat in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time. when the dough has pulled together, turn it out a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. butter a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat. cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
• preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). lightly grease a large baking sheet.
• deflate the dough and turn it out a lightly floured surface. form the dough into a large oval loaf. place the prepared pan. cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. when the loaf is risen, cut a 1/2 inch deep cross the top of it. brush the top with water before baking.
• bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. reduce heat to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped. let cool on a wire rack before slicing.