Bloomer Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Mix the dry ingredients, except for the yeast, in large mixing bowl.
2. 2
   Mix the yeast with the warm milk. Add to the dry ingredients, mix well, then knead the dough for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Roll the dough in flour, put in a warm bowl and leave at room temp for 4 hours.
3. 3
   Punch down dough, knead it again, roll it in flour and let rise again another 2-3 hours.
4. 4
   Punch down the dough, give it a final kneading, shape into a baguette shape, cut slashes across the top with a sharp knife, brush with water and let rise another 30-50 minutes.
5. 5
   Bake in preheated 400F oven for 20 minutes.
6. 6
   Reduce temp to 325F and bake for another 20-30 minutes until brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.