Gourmet club

Tomorrow night's the night!  We will be over the rainbow, enjoying food, but much more importantly, enjoying each other.  The table is set.  Picture to follow.  And most importantly, the bread is mixed up and rising.  To me, there are few things that can compare with freshly baked bread.  And this is the easiest recipe in the world.  AND IT WORKS.  (And Lee Paulson just turned over in his grave seeing that many "Ands" starting sentences!)  If I have posted this recipe before, consider this a reminder to try it.  Follow the directions, and I guarantee you will have a delicious loaf of pseudo sour dough just a mere 16 hours later!  And as I have said before, food is love!  Bon Appetit!

For this recipe, you will need a good heavy casserole with a cover.  I will be using these!  (Remember we're having company, so I will be slaving over two loaves!)

Prepare the dough.

3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup dry yeast
1 5/8 cup tepid water  (1 1/2 cups plus 2 TBS.)

Combine the dry ingredients.  Add the water and stir until well mixed.  Spray a square of waxed paper with vegetable spray and cover the bowl.  Place a towel over the paper.  Place in a warm place and allow to rise for 12-14 hours!

When the first rising time is done, remove from bowl and knead 5-6 times.  If dough is too soft, add a little extra flour during the kneading.  Let rest while you wash the bowl, dry it, and spray it with vegetable spray.  Return the dough to the prepared bowl, cover with the waxed paper and towel, and let rise for 3 more hours.  At the end of that period, proceed in the following manner.

Place the covered casserole in the oven and then preheat to 400 degrees.  When oven is ready, carefully remove the casserole.  Uncover, spray with vegetable spray and gently roll the dough from the bowl into the casserole.  Cover and bake for 30 minutes.  Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.  When done, immediately turn loaf onto a cooling rack.  Wait as long as you can/want before sampling!

Notice, I did say I was going to do two.  After the first rising, as I knead one loaf, I will knead in about 20 chopped pepperoni and half a cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese!  Once it is well incorporated, I will continue with the second rising.

This seems to be a long involved process, but hands-on?  Actually less than 20 minutes!  And when you've had your first piece toasted for breakfast, you will know why you have done it!  Let me know how it works!!!!!