MUFFULETTA BREAD

Steps:

• In a 2 cup glass measuring cup, combine water and sugar.
• Stir in yeast. Let stand until foamy, 5-10 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, and 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 the oiled bowl, and turn dough 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, and turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
• Form dough into a round loaf about 10" in diameter, and place on a greased baking sheet.
• Sprinkle top of loaf with sesame seeds.
• Press seeds gently into surface of loaf.
• Cover very loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise until almost doubled in bulk, 1 hour.
• Place rack in center of oven.
• Preheat oven to 425.
• Remove plastic wrap.
• Bake loaf in center of preheated oven, for 10 minutes.
• Reduce heat to 375, and bake 25 minutes.
• The loaf is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on bottom.
• Cool completely on a rack before slicing.