Rosemary Olive Oil Bread

Jess!

Happy March Break!

The sun is out today, and I'm loving it! I know it has been a while since I have posted a recipe... I can only say it's because I have been trying so many new things that I couldn't decide which one to write about first! Also, I was so busy trying the new things... that I couldn't sit down to write about it.

So, here is the first of many new recipes to come:

Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
adapted from ahintofhoney.com
1 cup warm water (100-110 F)
1 Tbsp. organic brown sugar 2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped (or 2 tsp. dried)
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning (or pinch of each ground garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil)
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1-2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup whole wheat bread flour + extra for kneading
1 egg, whisked + 1 Tbsp. water, for egg wash
dried rosemary, for sprinkling

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 10 minutes to proof.

2. Stir in the salt, rosemary, seasonings, olive oil, and whole wheat flour. Add the bread flour and stir until the dough forms a ball. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, adding more flour as necessary to prevent sticking, until smooth.

3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl; cover; and let rise until doubled in size, about1 hour.

4. Punch down the dough and form it into a round loaf. Place it on a cornmeal dusted pizza peel or parchment paper; cover; and let rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, preheat oven (and pizza stone if you are using one... I just used a round pizza pan) to 400 F. Once the dough has risen, gently brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with dried rosemary.

6. Bake on preheated stone for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Makes 1 round loaf.

This bread is so yummy, and makes your house smell heavenly!

Funny story though... I had to attempt this recipe twice. The first time my yeast was no good, so after an hour, I discovered my dough didn't rise at all! Talk about a bummer! Luckily it was one of those 'mosey-around-the-house' days, so my heart wasn't broken. I had no problem getting some fresh yeast and trying again. I have to say: It was well worth it! I served it with homemade chicken fettuccine Alfredo. Perfect comfort meal.

Love,