Italian Ciabatta

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for flavor)
• Cornmeal for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast, let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2Add bread flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl.
3. 3Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
4. 4Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
5. 5Lightly flour a surface and turn the dough out onto it.
6. 6Gently stretch and fold the dough into a rectangle shape, about 1 inch thick.
7. 7Place on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
8. 8Cover loosely and let rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9Preheat oven to 450°F and place a shallow pan on the bottom rack.
10. 10Slash the top diagonally 2-3 times with a sharp knife.
11. 11Pour 1 cup of hot water into the pan in the oven to create steam.
12. 12Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
13. 13Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.