Italian Bread

 2 different shapes same dough

This recipe has slowly evolved over the years. I wanted a Master recipe that I could easily remember for many different uses and through trial and error came up with this one which is very close to old Italian Bread recipes which just called for flour, salt, water, and yeast.  I have found that the addition of olive oil  makes this bread dough even more flavorful and give it is higher rise. With this same recipe (or a few simple adjustments) I can make Italian Breads, Big Soft Pretzels, and Italian Stuffed Bread.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups (which is 12 ounces) warm-ish water 
4  cups *unbleached bread flour (which is 500 grams) (see *note)  (Break up the flour then scoop very loosely into cup with a spoon and scrape off top with flat end of knife`- you may need to add more depending on the type of flour.)  It will be scrappy dough at first but after a minute or two it should start to form a ball. You  you will know it's ready when it forms a clean ball and not sticky anymore.)

1.5  tablespoons olive oil

1.5  teaspoons sea salt OR 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
2 1/4 teaspoons yeast

~Mixing & Kneading~

Food Processor Method: 
 Place all of the dry into the machine with the dough hook attached and mix on low for a few seconds.
While it is still running add the water and oil through the shoot.
After a ball forms allow it to mix for 1 minute longer working out all of the bumps and forming an elastic ball. Remove the dough and place in an oiled bowl covered with an oiled sheet of plastic wrap.
Rest at least until a finger indention remains ( 2 hours) but the longer the better (I let it rise until it is to the top) 
Kitchen Aid Method:
Mix water & yeast in mixer until foamy, mix 2 cups of flour, salt & oil for a minute add more flour until a dough ball forms, Mix for 10 minutes (Kitchen Aid) adding flour if it becomes too sticky, although you do want a slightly sticky dough. Oil up your hands and cover the ball of dough in oil, leave it in the Kitchen Aid bowl and cover with oiled plastic wrap.
Hand Method:
Mix the flour and salt and make a well. Add the yeast and liquid into the well. Stir the liquid and yeast together gradually adding in the flour from the edges to the middle. It will be messy at first. Eventually you will have a very sticky ball of dough, it will still be messy at this point. Using your hands and a bench scraper or spatula start scraping the dough up and slapping it back down on to the counter, do this continually for 15-20 minutes. Until it's smooth and elastic.Rest at least until a finger indention remains ( 2 hours) but the longer the better (I let it rise until it is to the top)

~Forming Loaf/Loaves: You can make 1 large or 2 medium from each dough recipe)~

Classic Italian Round Loaf:

.Punch down the dough and flour the counter. Form a ball by tucking and re-tucking the dough underneath it self. Dust very lightly with flour. If it tears then start over, you want a smooth top that is nice and compact.

Punch down & roll or pat it out to a rectangular or oblong shape about the size of a sheet of loose leaf paper for 2 loaves (Ficelle) or a large sheet pan for 1 loaf (Baguette).

~Baking & Slicing the top~

Place the loaf or loaves on  parchment on a sheet pan OR a piece of parchment on a flat pan's bottom for sliding or a paddle, cover and rise for 1 hour or until double.

Preheat the oven to 450 and place a stone on the middle or just below middle rack 

Rub olive oil on  a straight edge razor (carefully) just before using and then give it a good slit down the middle for the round loaf or 3 good slanted slits for the baguette just before baking. If you cut too deep it will flatten and look like a knee cap :) if not enough it will close back up. So about 1/4 inch at a 30 degree angle.

When the dough is ready slide the parchment sheet with the loaf in the oven on top of the stone, or place the sheet pan on the middle rack, throw 3 ice cubes in to oven close quickly OR spray water in oven and close quickly  & bake for 10 minutes.  You can also egg wash the top if you want it browner. You can add sesame seeds to the top over the egg wash as well.

Bake 10 minutes at 450. Then turn down to 375 and bake *20- 25 minutes more. You can add more ice or water spray at this point as well. 

It will sound hollow when tapped and be golden brown. *You can go for a softer bread at 20 minutes or a harder crust for the longer time. 

Cool for 2 hours on a rack.
.Place on rack to cool. Try really hard not to slice for at least 1 hour!