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PdfMix together all the ingredients and knead — by hand, mixer, or bread machine — to make a smooth, slightly sticky dough. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover the bowl, and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until it's nearly doubled in bulk. Even if rising takes longer, give it enough time to become quite puffy.
Shape dough into an elongated oval, and place on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Allow loaf to rise, covered, until increased in size by about one third and noticeably puffy, about 1 hour. While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the interior temperature reads 205°F on a digital thermometer.
Remove the bread from the oven, turn it out onto a rack, and brush the top with butter, if desired; this will give it a soft, satiny crust.
Cool the bread completely before slicing and serving.