Cuban Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve the yeast in the water and add the salt and sugar, stirring thoroughly.
2. 2
   Add flour, one cup at a time, beating it with a wooden spoon.
3. 3
   You can also use the dough hook on an electric mixer at low speed.
4. 4
   Add enough flour to make a fairly stiff dough.
5. 5
   Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl and grease the top.
6. 6
   Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
7. 7
   Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board and shape into two round Italian style loaves.
8. 8
   Arrange onto a baking sheet, heavily sprinkled with cornmeal and allow to rise for 5 minutes.
9. 9
   Slash the tops of the loaves in 2 or 3 places with a knife or scissors.
10. 10
    Brush the loaves with water and place them into a cold oven.
11. 11
    Set the oven control at 400° and place a pan of boiling water on the bottom of the oven.
12. 12
    Bake loaves until they are crusty and done for about 40 to 45 minutes.