The Bread Show Bigio Bread Recipe

Ingredients: Makes 1 large loaf,Total Time 2 1/2 hrs

-2 Cups All purpose Flour
-1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
-1 1/4 Cups Spring Water
-1/2 + 1/8 teaspoons Dry Active Yeast
-1 + 1/2 teaspoons Salt
-1 Cup (Biga) Starter

Place all of the ingredients in your Bread Machine and set for "DOUGH ONLY". My bread machine will knead the doug and complete the first rising in 1 1/2 hours. Once the dough has completed the first rising remove it from the bread machine and form a round loaf . as you form the loaf into the round shape pull on the dough to make it tight. Place on floured parchment paper to and allow it to rise for around 1/2 hour our or until almost double in size.The dough will form bubbles just under the surface .After rthe second rising has completed place in a pre heated 450 degree oven for around 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Total Time 2 1/2 hrs

"Bigio" The brownish color of this comes from the whole wheat flour used to make this earthy bread. Tihis bread is a classic bread of peasants and has a great texture and taste. This bread goes perfectly with cheeses and fresh tomatoes drizzled with olive oil.

Special Note: Don't forget to add a few ice cubes to a foil tray in your oven just a few minutes before putting the bread in to bake. I also use a spray bottle filled with water to spray the oven walls and top of bread every few minutes to keep the moisture level up.