Ingredients
Active dry yeast. 2 1/2 teaspoons
Warm water 1 1/4 cups
Bread flour or all-purpose flour 3 cups
Sugar. 2 teaspoons
Salt. 1 teaspoon
Olive oil. 1 teaspoon
METHOD
1 . Combine yeast, water, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 cup of flour in mixing bowl. Allow to rest for 10 minutes until the yeast starts bubbling and giving off a "yeasty" smell.
2 . Add the remaining flour, sugar and salt and mix until the flour is incorporated. Add the olive oil and knead for 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and satiny.
3. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, coating the dough all around with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until the dough has doubled in volume -- 45 minutes to an hour or more, depending on temperature.
4 . Punch down the dough, roll into desired loaf shape, cover with plastic again and allow to rise until doubled in volume.
5 . Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Turn down to 400 when you put the bread in. Bake 20-30 minutes, depending on shape of loaves.
6. Bread is finished when it makes a hollow sound when you thump on the bottom with your thumb.
This is how it will look .........
HOW TO TURN THE ITALIAN LOAF INTO GARLIC BREAD
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INGREDIENTS
Italian bread. 1 loaf
Unsalted butter. 6 tablespoons
Garlic finely chopped or pressed through the garlic press. 2 cloves
Freshly chopped parsley leaves. 2 tablespoons
Salt. 1/2 teaspoon
METHOD
1. Heat oven to 400 degree .
2. Slice the loaf into 1 inch thick slices without cutting through the bread .
3. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat . Add garlic and cook , stirring often , until fragrant .
4. Let it cool for 2 minutes
5. Add the chopped parsley and salt to it .
6. Brush the butter mixture between the slices and wrap the loaf in foil .
7. Bake until warm for 10 - 15 minutes
8 . Open foil and bake for 5 minutes until lightly toasted on top
9 . Serve hot with a dip of your choice .
