Ciabatta Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Directions
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   1Make sponge: Stir together, warm water and yeast.
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   2Let stand 5 minutes, until creamy.
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   3Transfer yeast mixture to another bowl and add room-temp water and flour.
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   4Stir for 4 minutes.
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   5Cover bowl with plastic wrap.
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   6Let stand at cool room temp at least 12 hours and up to 1 day.
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   7Make bread: Stir together yeast and milk in small bowl and let stand 5 minutes, until creamy.
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   8In bowl of standing electric mixer, with dough hook, blend together milk mixture, sponge, water, oil and flour at low speed until flour is moistened.
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    9Beat on medium for 3 minutes.
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    10Add salt and beat for 4 more minutes.
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    11Scrape dough into oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap, until doubled- about 1 1/2 hours.
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    12Note: Dough will be VERY sticky and full of bubbles.
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    13Cut two pieces of parchment paper, approx 12 inches by 6 inches.
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    14Place on baking sheet and flour well.
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    15Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and cut in half.
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    16Transfer each half to paper and form irregular ovals approx 9 inches long.
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    17Dip fingers in flour and dimple loaves.
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    18Dust tops with flour.
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    19Cover with dampened kitchen towel and let rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until almost doubled.
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    20At least 45 minutes before baking bread, pre-heat pizza stone on lowest oven rack position at 425°F.
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    21Transfer 1 loaf, along with parchment paper, onto stone and bake for 20 minutes or until pale golden.
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    22Remove to cooling racks and repeat with second loaf.