Ingredients

Instructions

  1. The Sponge: Combine the sponge ingredients in a large plastic bowl, cover with plastic wrap and keep in a warm place for 18-20 hours.
  2. When ready the sponge should have expanded and smell pleasantly sour and bubbling. (at this point you may wish to refrigerate for up to 7 days, just remember to bring back to room temp).
  3. Bread: Place sponge and all other ingredients except garlic in mixing bowl, mix well and let rest 20-30 minutes.
  4. Mix again for 5-10 minutes, then cover and allow to rise 2-3 hours.
  5. Turn out onto lightly greased surface and flatten like you would cinnamon rolls .
  6. Sprinkle the garlic cloves evenly over the dough and roll up in cinnamon roll fashion pinching the sides in as you make a long oblong shaped loaf.
  7. Allow the loaf to rise covered with a towel for 2 hours or till almost doubled in size.
  8. Preheat oven to 475°F.
  9. Slash the top of the loaf 4 times with a sharp knife.
  10. Spritz loaf and oven with water.
  11. Bake in 475°F oven for 3 minutes spraying 2 more times.
  12. Turn the oven down to 375°F (if it is baking to fast try 350°F).
  13. Spray often with the water and watch for the bread turning brown too fast. If it does, cover with a foil tent.
  14. Bake approx 30-40 minutes or till nicely browned and bottom thumps hollow.
  15. This bread can be a little temperamental, just watch the coloring and adjust temp and cook time as needed.