Directions: |
Directions:MAKE THE BIGA: In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and water and stir until smooth. Cover bowl with a clean, damp kitchen towel and let ferment in a warm, draft-free place overnight. The resulting mixture will be bubbly and light.
MAKE THE DOUGH: In a large bowl or food processor fitted with metal blade, stir together flour, yeast, dry milk, and salt. Add the biga and water. Use a wooden spoon to mix or process until a wet, sticky dough is formed. Beat 5 more minutes by hand, or process for 45 more seconds. The dough will be springy and wet. Scrape dough from sides of bowl and cover with a clean, damp kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place until trebled in size -- about 3 hours.
SHAPE THE LOAVES: Liberally sprinkle a work surface with flour and, without punching down, turn the dough out onto it. Sprinkle the dough and your hands with flour and press to flatten the dough into a 6- by 6-inch rectangle. Divide the dough into two equal halves, cover with the damp kitchen towel, and let it rise for 30 minutes. Using well-floured hands, stretch each rectangle of dough to measure 5 by 10 inches. Gently turn the edges under about ½" to plump up the dough. Spread your fingers wide and, using your whole hand, lightly press the dough to flatten it to its characteristic slipper-like shape. Generously coat a baker's peel or a baking sheet with cornmeal and flip the dough over onto the peel. Rub flour over the dough surfaces, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 30 more minutes.
BAKE THE LOAVES: Place a baking stone in the lower third of the oven and preheat for at least 30 minutes (to thoroughly heat the stone) at 425º F. Use a quick shoveling motion to slide each loaf from the peel or baking sheet onto the hot stone. Mist the inside of the oven with 3 or 4 sprays of water and bake until loaves are golden brown -- 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container. |
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