SHAPING OF BREADS
Grease 6 3X6″ baking sheets to make free form loaves. Divide dough
into 6 parts. Remove air pockets by working dough with hands and
rolling into 6 10×5″ rectangles. Starting from shorter side, roll up,
pinching edges firmly to seal. For free-form loaves, taper ends
slightly. Place seam-side-down on prepared pan. Cover; let rise in
warm place until light and double in size, about 45 mins. Heat over
to 375 degrees F. Bake for 25-35 mins., until loaves sound hollow
when lightly tapped. Remove from pans immediately. Cool on wire racks.
6 SMALL BRAIDS: Grease 2 cookie sheets. Divide dough into 6 parts.
Remove air pockets by working dough with hands. Roll each part into
an 6×3″ rectangle. Cut each rectangle lengthwise into 3 6×1″ strips.
Braid strips togehter, tuck ends under and seal. Repeat with
remaining dough. Place on prepared cookie sheets. Cover; let rise in
warm place until doubled in size, about 45 mins. Heat oven to 375
degrees F. Bake for 25-35 mins. until loaves sound hollow when
lightly tapped. Remove from pans immediately; cool on wire racks.
Decorating directions to follow on next note. Marilyn Sultar
Yields
6 sm. loaves