Ingredients
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2 cups lukewarm water, divided
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1 (8 g) package active dry yeast
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1 tablespoon sugar
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2 teaspoons cornmeal
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4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, approximately
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon milk, approximately
Instructions
- Preheat slow cooker unit, without the crock, on high.
- Grease slow crock very well and line the bottom with a greased round of parchment paper.
- Sprinkle interior of crock with cornmeal.
- Stir yeast and sugar into 1/2 cup of the water, set in a warm place and let stand for 10 minutes or until very foamy.
- Place flour in large bowl and mix in the herbs and salt.
- Make a well in the centre and add the yeast mixture, remaining water and oil.
- Mix by hand until a ragged dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a well-floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic (add up to 3/4 cup additional flour as needed to prevent sticking).
- Place dough in the crock and brush the top with the milk.
- Let stand in warm place for 5 minutes.
- Place crock in slow cooker unit, cover and bake on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the dough springs back when lightly pressed on top and the sides of the loaf are browned.
- Carefully remove crock and place on dry surface (otherwise crock may crack), allow to stand for 5 minutes, turn crock upside down and give it a sharp, quick shake to release loaf.
- Cool completely before slicing.