Spraying the loaf with water during the baking makes the crust nice and crisp.

4	C	bread or all-purpose flour
2	pkg.	dry yeast
2	tsp.	sugar
3/4	C	hot milk
2	eggs	at room temperature
2	tsp.	salt
1	tbsp.	caraway seeds
		cornmeal for preparing baking sheet

Combine 3 cups of the flour with the yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Form a well in the center and pour in the hot milk. Using a wooden spoon or the flat beater attachment of an electric mixer, beat to form a batter. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the butter and salt. Continue working by hand or with the beater, adding more flour, until it forms a rough ball in the bottom of the bowl. Add room-temperature water to cover the dough by 2 inches. Allow the dough to rise until it floats to the surface of the water, about 1 hour. Remove the dough from the water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the dough on a floured work surface and knead, adding more flour as necessary and working in the caraway seeds, until it forms a smooth , elastic dough, about 10 minutes. Form the dough into a round ball about 8 inches in diameter and place on a baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal. Cover with a tent of foil, making sure the foil doesn't tough the dough, and allow to rise until doubled in volume, about 35 minutes. Remove the foil tent and bake in the center of a preheated 375F oven for about 1 hour. Spray the loaf lightly with water twice during baking. The bread is done when it makes a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom. Allow to cool on a wire rack. Makes 1 large loaf.