Italian Country Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tsp. dry yeast
2/3 c. milk, room temperature
2 c. flour
1/3 c. lukewarm water
1 tsp. honey or maple syrup
1 tsp. dry yeast
1 Tbsp. salt
2 c. water , room temperature
5 to 5 1/2 c. flour

Preparation

Next:
Add yeast to sponge, water, salt and 1 cup flour.
Beat with a whisk 3 minutes.
Add remaining flour until pulls away from sides.
Turn onto floured surface and knead about 5 minutes.
Slam the dough hard against work surface.
Set aside, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
Knead again.