Belfast Baps Recipe

Directions

1. 1
   Place hot water in bowl.
2. 2
   Water should be just hot to touch, about 90-100 degrees.
3. 3
   Add in salt, sugar and yeast.
4. 4
   Stir to dissolve the yeast.
5. 5
   Let sit about 5 min.
6. 6
   Add in 3 c. of flour and beat till smooth.
7. 7
   Gradually add in the remaining flour, till dough pulls away from sides of bowl.
8. 8
   Knead with a dough hook or possibly by hand, till dough is smooth and elastic.
9. 9
   Place in oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
10. 10
    Let rise till doubled, about 1 1/2 hrs.
11. 11
    Punch down and divide into four equal pcs.
12. 12
    Form each piece into a ball, using rice flour on the board.
13. 13
    Place close together on a baking sheet, be sure top is covered with rice flour.
14. 14
    Let rise again for about 45 min.
15. 15
    Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 30 min.
16. 16
    Convection baking works well on this bread if you have which option (bake at 375 degrees in which case).
17. 17
    Turn the broiler on during the last 5 min.
18. 18
    But do not walk away!
19. 19
    Watch carefully.
20. 20
    The top should be a deep brown.
21. 21
    Set to cold on rack and listen to the crackle!