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Whisk together yeast, 1 cup flour, and other dry ingredients.
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Stir together liquids and heat to 120-130F.
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Combine dry mixture and liquid ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle or beaters for 4 minutes on medium speed. Gradually add remaining flour and knead with dough hook 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in lightly oiled bowl and turn to grease top. Cover; let rise until dough tests ripe, about an hour.
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Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; punch down to remove air bubbles. Shape dough into a round loaf. Place on a parchment covered baking sheet. Cover; let rise until indentation remains after touching, another hour or so.
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Combine 1+½ teaspoons water and â…› teaspoon cornstarch; brush on top of bread. Sprinkle with topping. Bake in preheated 375F oven 30 to 40 minutes or until tested done. Remove from baking sheet; cool.