Italian Bread Using a Bread Machine

Place flour brown sugar warm water salt olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.

Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Form dough into two loaves. Place the loaves seam side down on a cutting board generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume about 40 minutes. Meanwhile preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a small bowl beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture. Make a single long quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife. Gently shake the cutting board to make sure that the loaves are not sticking. If they stick use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen. Slide the loaves onto a baking sheet with one quick but careful motion.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.