Italian Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tsp dry active yeast
1/2 tsp sugar
2 2/3 cups bread flour, plus extra to knead
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
1 tbsp all-purpose flour, extra to dust

Preparation

Combine 1/2 cup lukewarm water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside in a warm place for 10 mins, or until frothy.
Sift bread flour and salt into a large bowl. Mix in yeast mixture and oil. Transfer to a large oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm area for 45 mins, or until dough has doubled in size.
Turn dough out onto a floured work surface and knead for 2-3 mins, or until smooth. Knead for another 5 mins then place on a lightly greased baking tray and shape into a 12 inch loaf. Dust top generously with flour. Using a small sharp knife, make 6 small cuts diagonally across top of loaf.
Place in a cold oven. Turn oven to 375\u00b0F and bake for 45 mins, or until crusty and golden brown.