Serves: 5
Total Calories: 221
Yield: 1 Medium Round

1 tablespoon (1 packet) acive dry yeast
1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons lukewarm water
1 1/2 to 2 cups white unbleached flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried
1-2 tablespoon cornmeal for baking sheet
sprig of rosemary to decorate the loaf

1. Place the yeast and 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons warm water in a mediumsized bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until the yeast dissolves. Add 11/2 cups of white flour and stir to form a soft dough. Knead for 10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary. Shape into a ball.

2. Spread a little olive oil on the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the ball of dough, then turn it over, oiled side up. Cover and set in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, or until the dough doubles in bulk.

3. Remove the dough from the bowl. Add 1/2 cup white flour and 3/4 cup whole wheat flour to the bowl. Place the dough on top, flatten it, and begin to knead. Add 1/2 cup warm water, the salt, olive oil, and rosemary. Knead for 10 minutes, working in all of the ingredients, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Form into a ball.

4. Once again, oil the bowl and add the dough. Cover and set in a warm spot for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the dough doubles in bulk again. Lightly sprinkle a large baking sheet with cornmeal and set aside.

5. Punch down the risen dough, knead for a minute, then shape into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and let rest for a minute or so. Cut two 1/2-inch-deep parallel slashes across the top of the dough, then two more in the opposite direction (to form a tic-tac-toe design). Brush the loaf with cold water and top with a sprig of rosemary.

6. Place in a preheated 450°F oven. Toss a few ice cubes on the bottom of the oven (to create steam for a very crisp crust). Bake for 10 minutes, then toss in a couple more ice cubes. Continue baking for about 30 minutes, or until the loaf is browned and hollow-sounding when rapped on the bottom with your knuckle. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 5
Total Calories: 221
Calories from Fat: 24

More Recipes from the Great Natural Breads Made Easy Cookbook:
Basic White Bread
English Cottage Bread
French Bread
French Bread-C'est Magnifique!
Green Bread
Tomato-Basil Bread
Cuban Bread
Roadside Potato Bread
Caraway Potato Bread
Semolina Bread
Challah
Rosemary-Olive Oil Bread