How Do You Make Ciabatta Bread?
Ciabatta bread is a popular choice in gourmet bakeries across the country, but it can be made at home. Ciabatta is a long, fairly flat loaf with an open texture. It is ideal for sandwiches or to serve alongside a meal. Start your ciabatta bread the day before you plan to eat it for the best texture and most authentic flavor. Make the biga or starter for your ciabatta bread. This should be done 12 to 24 hours in advance. Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon of yeast into 2/3 cup of warm water in a medium bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Stir together and allow to rest for about 10 minutes. The mixture should be foamy. Stir in 1 cup of bread flour until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours or until the biga has tripled in volume. Combine 1/2 teaspoon of yeast and 3 tablespoons of warm milk in a large bowl. Allow to sit until the yeast has dissolved and the mixture is foamy. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 cup of warm water to this mix
