Cuban Bread

Ingredients:

5-6 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute whole wheat flour for 1 or 2 cups)
1 tbsp. yeast
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
2 cups hot water (120-130 degrees)
1 tbsp sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix 4 cups of the flour with the yeast, sugar and salt.
2. Pour in hot water and beat 100 strokes, or 3 minutes with a mixer.
3. Stir in the remaining flour until the dough is no longer sticky.
4. Knead 8 minutes, then place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel.
Let rise 15 minutes.
5. Punch down and shape into two round or oval loaves. Place on a baking sheet and cut an X or a few slashes 1/2 inch deep on top with a sharp knife.
6. If desired, brush with water and sprinkle with seeds.
7. Place on the middle shelf of a cold oven. Place a cake pan of hot water on the lowest shelf.
8. Heat the oven to 400 degrees and bake 40 to 50 minutes until deep golden brown.

*Courtesy of The Busy Mom's Cookbook.