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Italian Bread

Source of Recipe


Southern Living






List of Ingredients



• 1 (1/4-ounce) envelope active dry yeast
  
• 1 tsp sugar
  
• 1 cup warm water (100° to 110° F)
  
• 2 to 3 cups bread flour
  
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tsp salt
  






Instructions



1. Combine yeast, sugar, and 1 cup warm water in bowl of a heavy-duty electric stand mixer; let stand 5 minutes.
   
   
2. Add 2 cups flour, oil and salt to bowl, and beat at low speed, using dough hook attachment, 1 minute. Gradually add additional flour until dough begins to leave the sides of the bowl and pull together. (Note: The dough will take on a "shaggy" appearance as the flour is being added. When enough flour has been added, the dough will look soft and smooth, not wet and sticky or overly dry with a rough surface.) Increase speed to medium and beat 5 minutes.
   
   
3. Cover bowl of dough with plastic wrap, and let stand in a warm place (85° F), free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down and let stand 10 minutes.
   
   
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; shape dough into a 12-inch loaf, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cut three (1/4-inch-deep) slits across the top of the dough with a sharp paring knife. (The slits release interior steam and prevent the loaf from blowing apart at the side.)
   
   
5. Bake at 400° F for 16 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
   
   Makes 1 loaf.
   
   .................
   
   HERBED FOCACCIA
   Proceed with recipe as directed, shaping dough into a ball instead of a loaf. Roll dough into an 11- x 14-inch rectangle on a lightly greased baking sheet. Press handle of a wooden spoon into dough to make indentations at 1-inch intervals. Drizzle dough evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil; sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Bake at 475° F for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
   
   PIZZA CRUST
   Proceed with recipe as directed, shaping dough into a ball instead of a loaf. Roll dough into an 11- x 14-inch rectangle on a lightly greased baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, or spread with pesto or pizza sauce; sprinkle with desired toppings. Bake at 475° F for 20 to 25 minutes.