Hi, I thought I'd add another recipie since I'm not doing anything new or groundbreaking; and I want to write a journal. This is my favorite bread recipie. I like dipping it in olive oil and spices.

Italian Bread
2 1/2c bread flour
1c warm water
1Tbl active dry yeast (or 2 Tbl fresh compressed yeast)
1Tbl suar
1tsp salt
1Tbl butter, melted
Kosher salt, to sprinkle on top

Combine sugar and water. Then sprinkle yeast on top
Measure out flour and salt in a bowl, then add water mixture.
Stir, then knead, adding water or flour as needed.
When dough is a smooth, slighty tacky ball, put it into a greased bowl and cover.
Set bowl in a warm spot and let set until doubled in size.
Uncover risen bread, then punch down.
Divide dough in half and knead lightly until a tight skin forms on bottom of dough. Form dough into logs.

Put logs on a pan, cover, and let rise until doubled.
Uncover loaves, brush lightly with butter and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Bake at 450 degrees for 15 - 18 minutes. Loaves will be lightly brown and sound hollow when thier bottoms are tapped.

Note: If you want a harder crust, replace butter with egg white.

If you make this and like it drop me a line. I hope I have something a little more intresting to write next time.