Cuban Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Mix the 2 cups whole wheat and 2 cups of the white flour together.
2. 2
   Add the yeast, the sugar, and the salt.
3. 3
   Pour in the hot water and beat for 100 strokes (or 3 minutes with a mixer).
4. 4
   Stir in the rest of the flour until it is no longer sticky.
5. 5
   Knead it for 8 minutes.
6. 6
   Put the dough in a metal bowl that you have sprayed with cooking spray.
7. 7
   Cover it with a damp towel.
8. 8
   Let it rise for 15 minutes.
9. 9
   Punch it down.
10. 10
    Divide it into 2 pieces.
11. 11
    Shape each piece into a round loaf and put them on a baking sheet that you have sprayed with cooking spray.
12. 12
    Cut an x in the top of each loaf.
13. 13
    If you want you can brush the top with water and put sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top.
14. 14
    Put the pan on the middle rack of a cold oven.
15. 15
    Put a pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf.
16. 16
    Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
17. 17
    Bake the bread for 40-50 minutes or until it is deep golden brown.
18. 18
    **Ifyou want to use your food processor, put all the dry into the bowl.
19. 19
    Turn it on and slowly add the water until the dough forms a ball.
20. 20
    Let it spin 20 times.