Pan Cubano - I'm going to try making some

[Duer 157099]

from this recipe:

http://www.tasteofcuba.com/pancubano.html

I've never had a Cuban sandwich, but I have some slow roasted pork, and I'm curious to try, and want to try using the *right* kind of bread.

Anyone ever made this type of bread?

Editing to add the ingredient list, but go to the link for the details:

Starter:
3/4 tsp yeast
1/3 cup warm water
1/3 cup flour

Dough:
4 1/2 tsp yeast
1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 cup warm water
3-4 Tbsp lard/shortening at RT
1/2 batch Starter
1 Tbsp salt
4-5 cups flour

[spindrifter]

1. It sounds

delicious! I only worry about the type of oven you need, as some of these breads do better in special ovens.
Last night I watched Bobby Flay's Thrown Down challenge of Roberto Guerra, a Cuban in Miami who makes outrageous roast pork in a Caja China. The whole thing was fascinating--and watching the program just about sent Mr. Spindrifter over the edge, the pork looked so tender!

[The empressof all]

2. Those Caja China's sure look enticing

When I saw that episode I tried to find a way I could justify buying one to myself. Alas my pocketbook needs to focus elsewhere. I tell you though, when I hit the lotto...It's on the list.

[eleny]

3. The video on You Tube - Oh YUM!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeK5VMUe4y0

[spindrifter]

4. Wow!

I just watched the youtube video showing how to use the Caja China! Tres cool! I have to say, though, a 70 lb. pig is a lot of meat!

[Duer 157099]

5. So I made some of this bread...

Now I don't know if I added too much salt, or if it's sposed to be this salty -- the recipe called for a tablespoon of salt, and since I use Kosher salt, I added a little bit extra since there's a 2:1 ratio of table salt:kosher salt, and the recipe didn't specify which type of salt. But I only add a little bit more, not double or anything like that.

This bread reminds me very much of soft pretzels -- that's the flavor and texture. Since I've never tried Cuban bread before, am I in the right ballpark or I have I seriously screwed something up?

[WritersBlock]

6. Hmmmm...

I dunno about pretzel taste & texture, but I made some of this bread a few years ago, and remember it being pretty good. I dug out the printout of the recipe, and the only notes I have are that I used one packet of yeast, and 5 cups of bread (my notes say 5 cups if using the white or metal measuring cup for water & flour - which probably isn't all that helpful, but that's how I notate my recipes ;) )

I think this must be a case of GMTA: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=236&topic_id=4240

:D