Italian Bread

Homemade Bread makes everything taste better. Maybe because YOU made it. Maybe because it is Fresh. Or maybe because in the cooking process, it turns to gold...so when you eat it, you feel RICH!

This recipe is not hard. Believe that it will rock. However, not be a rock.

This Italian Bread or French Bread I use for many things. Sandwiches. Side with Pasta etc. Bruschetta.

So lets get our hands messy...

To make:

It is a story really. Once upon a time:


Ingredients:

2 Tb yeast
2 1/2 cup warm water
3 Tb sugar
1 Tb salt
1/3 cup olive oil
1 Tb dried Italian seasoning
4 cups all purpose flour
2-3 cups wheat flour
1 egg white, slightly beaten

As we begin our story... One day the 2 Tb of yeast met the 2 1/2 cups warm water. First the water was cold from the tap. In a liquid measuring cup, it took a visit to the microwave for 1 min and 20 seconds. It made the water the perfect warm temperature.

They decided to get married in a large bowl. The yeast got happy.

We are gathered here today...

Then they wanted to invite others to their wedding. First they invited the 3 Tb of sugar. Because the sugar excites the yeast (activates it). So the sugar went into the bowl. Then the olive oil.

It was time for some flour. 2 cups of all purpose flour was invited to the wedding. A wire wisk joined them. There were flowers (flours) everywhere. It was very beautiful. All was happy.

*If you want to use your Kitchen Aid or Bosch. Please do so. I will tell you how to make it by hand. If you want Kitchen Aid instructions, just let me know. But we gain muscles when we make bread by hand. BONUS!!!!  Kitchen Aid or Bosch Instructions

Then the other 2 cups of all purpose flour felt left out, so they joined the ceremony as well. In addition to the flour, along came the 1 Tb of salt (he didn't want to get left out). The Italian seasoning came as well. The Italian seasoning and salt were holding hands as they participated in the ceremony. Together, they really got the party started!

Well, the wisk didn't know how she could take it. She was getting a bit emotional. She tried her best to mix, but if it got to hard she turned the spotlight over to a wooden spoon.

The wheat flour was the last to be invited. They weren't too upset. (The wheat was a little stuck up). he he.

Get your hands in there now. If it is sticky, add a little more flour. Gradually. Not too much. Knead with your fists and palms of your hands. Mix and marry. Make sure they all don't get a divorce.

It doesn't take too long. Spank the dough, show it who is boss. Poke it slightly, if it bounces back and shows attitude. It is done kneading. To see similar instructions on making bread, check out:  Pull Apart Bread

At this time, cover with clean towel. Let it sit on your counter while you make the rest of your dinner, or whatever you want to do. Come back after 10 minutes and punch down and knead again. About 5-6 punches and folds. Cover again.

Come back after 10 minutes. See how the party is going. Punch again etc. Gotta keep everyone in line.

Do this a total of 4 times. After the 4th time. Separate. The party is getting too wild and they need to be separated. Too bad. (Not really, it is better for baking).

Separate into 4 equal balls. Round. Place them on a Greased cookie sheet. You will need 2 cookie sheets. Cut 3 slashes on top (not very deep) and cross slashes. Brush with egg. Sprinkle more Italian seasoning. Garlic. Parmesan cheese. Sesame Seeds. Whatever you like on top of the dough.



Bread is "Happy" and ready to be cooked.


Let sit and rise a little, until about double in size. Let the bread get "Happy".

Preheat to 350 degrees. Cook one cookie sheet at a time. Cook for 30 minutes. Remove and rest. The party is over. Now it is time for you to party. A party in your mouth!

You may kiss your bread (as long as it is not too hot).

Our story is over. Hope it was a good one. And all lived and tasted Happily Ever After.

*If you use it for: Chicken Bruschetta Sandwich or other Bruschetta etc. Slice. Brush with Olive Oil and Bake in 400 Degree Oven for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.