Cuban Bread - Kitchenaid

Step 1: In the mixer bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar into the warm water-let the yeast proof until bubbly.

Step 2: Add 1 cup flour and salt to the bowl-mix with the dough hook until well blended.

Step 3: Add additional flour, small amounts at a time, while the dough hook is mixing-until a soft dough is formed- you may use 3 cups or less or more. Once a soft dough has formed, increase the speed to medium and knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stop the mixer and let the dough sit for 3 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the dough and form into a ball-place in an oiled bowl-roll the ball so that the oil touches all sides-cover the bowl with plastic wrap-let rise until doubled and light.

Step 6: Punch the dough down and roll into a loaf approx 12" long. Place the loaf into a french perforated loaf pan ( sprayed with non-stick spray).

Step 7: Slash the top 3x and cover the loaf with non-stick sprayed plastic wrap.

Step 8: Let rise for 10 minutes.

Step 9: Preheat the oven to 400F and place a dish of boiling water onto the lower rack.Bake 25-35 minutes until golden.

Step 10: Cool fully on a rack before eating.