Cuban Bread

• 2 cups warm water
• 2 1/4 tsp yeast
• 1 tbls sugar
• 2 1/2 tbls salt
• 6-7 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in water. Add sugar and salt. Stir. Stir in flour, one cup at a time until a stiff dough is formed. Knead to smooth. Allow to double in bulk.

Knead 8-10 minutes, then form into rounds or two batards. Place on a sheet well-sprinkled with cornmeal. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then brush with water and slash 1/2 inch deep three times.

Place in a cold oven with a pan of just boiled water and set the oven to heat to 400 degrees F. When it reaches temperature, bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden and internally 205 degrees. cool and consume.