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Saute onion in butter until golden.
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Combine sour cream, water, yeast, salt, sugar, basil, cornmeal, and 4 cups of the flour in a mixing bowl.
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Mix with a dough hook on low speed for 3 minutes (hand kneading will take 7 to 10 minutes).
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Gradually add 4 cups of flour.
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Mix 5 to 7 minutes longer, adding more flour as needed until dough cleans side of bowl.
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Cover mixing bowl and sit in warm place until doubled (about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours).
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Punch dough down and let rise 10 minutes.
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Form into 2 round loaves and place on cornmeal-dusted 12X18" sheet pan.
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Allow to rise until doubled, about 20 to 30 minutes.
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Beat egg and water.
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Gently brush loaves with egg wash.
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With a very sharp knife, cut 4 vertical and 4 horizontal slashes on top of each loaf.
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Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 50 minutes or until well browned.