Homemade Parmesan-Garlic Bread

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the sugar, salt, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough

Step 2: Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 3: Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape each half into a 14-in. loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Brush loaves with water. Make three diagonal slashes about 1/2 in. deep with a very sharp knife in each loaf.

Step 5: Fill a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan with 1 in. of hot water and place on the bottom oven rack. Preheat to 400 degrees F. Bake loaves for 20-25 minutes. Remove to wire racks.