Homemade Italian Bread

From Kristi’s Kitchen

Ingredients:

3 cups hard whole wheat flour

2 tbsp. instant dry yeast

2 cups hot water (120-130 degrees)

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. honey

1 tbsp. sea salt

1 tsp. dried basil + a little more for sprinkling

¾ tsp. dried oregano

½ tsp. garlic powder + a little more for sprinkling

1/16 tsp. cayenne

3- 3 1/2 soft whole wheat flour

1 organic egg white

1 tbsp. water

Directions:

-Stir water, yeast and honey together in stand mixing bowl

-Let it bloom for 5 minutes

-Combine yeast mixture 2 cups hard wheat and oil in stand mixer –let sponge for 20 minutes

-Incorporate salt, seasonings and remaining flour slowly –beat for 10 minutes

- Remove dough ball from mixer with oiled hands and cut into 2 equal pieces

-Roll each piece-on oiled surface- into a rectangle and jellyroll starting on the long side farthest from you

-Seal the under seem by pinching it closed

-Pinch the ends, tuck and round

-Place rolled loaves 4 inches apart on lightly oiled baking sheet

-Cut slits in each loaf

-Brush with egg wash made from water and egg white

-Sprinkle with a bit more garlic powder and basil

-Cover with clean towel and let rise until double in size (about 2 hours)

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees

-Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes –until golden and hollow sounding when thumped

Makes 2 loaves

I made this tonight with a pot of  Homemade Italian Tomato and White Bean Soup...the perfect compliment! So yummy!