SHAPING OF BREADS
6 SMALL LOAVES: Grease 6 6×3″ loaf pans. Or, if desired, grease two cookie
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
2 servings