PANE TOSCANO

Steps:

• 1. First make the starter. Sift 1 1/2 cups flour into a large bowl. Pour over the boiling water, leave for a couple of minutes, then mix well. Cover the bowl with a damp dish towel and leave for 10 hours.
• 2. Lightly flour a sheet pan, set aside. Cream the yeast with the lukewarm water. If using dry yeast, mix the 1 1/2 tsp. dry yeast with the 4 TBSP lukewarm water. Stir this into the starter.
• 3. Gradually add the remaining flour and stir well to form a dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-8 minutes.
• 4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowel and cover with a piece of oiled plastic wrap. and leave in a warm place for 1 - 1 1/2 hours until doubled.
• 5. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and punch down and shape into a round.
• 6. Fold the sides of the round to the center and seal. Place seam side up onto the prepared baking sheet. Cover with another piece of lightly oiled plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes or until doubled in size.
• 7. Flatten the loaf slightly ( about 1/2 risen size) and flip over, covering with a large bowl. Leave to rise again for 30 more minutes.
• 8. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F. Slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Move the loaf to a wire rack to cool.
• 9. Note: the recipe states that salt controls the leavening action so if the bread over-rises, the loaf may collapse