Peasant Bread

Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 (2 1/4 teaspoon) package active dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water, divided
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• poppy seeds or garlic bread seasoning or parmesan cheese or cinnamon sugar, mixture

Recipe

• 1 dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water.
• 2 in a large bowl, combine flour, salt and sugar.
• 3 add the yeast mixture and remaining 1 cup of warm water; stir until combined.
• 4 cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled. (about 1 hour).
• 5 stir dough down.
• 6 divide in half.
• 7 place each half in a greased 1 quart round casserole or ovenproof bowl.
• 8 brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with topping.
• 9 let rise in a warm place until doubled; about 45 minutes.
• 10 bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.
• 11 remove from pans to cool.