PRIZE-WINNING ITALIAN BREAD Recipe

Dissolve yeast in small amount of the warm water. Add remaining water, olive oil, salt and mix well. Add flour gradually until dough is stiff. Put out on floured board, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Knead about 5 minutes, adding more flour if needed. Put in greased bowl and let rise for about 1 1/2 hours until double in size. Separate in 4 portions. Form into long loaves. Make slits in top of loaves. Place on cookie sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Let rise one hour. Beat egg white with water. Brush egg wash on loaves. Sprinkle on sesame seeds. Place basin of water on lower rack of oven - bake bread at 375 degrees for 1/2 hour.

Remove to rack for cooling.