Bread Baking Spree

Yesterday, I went on a bread baking spree. I made two kinds of bread (Focaccia & Cibatta). They were so good~ I have to share the recipes :)

Cibatta loaf

Panini on the grill

My panini with ham, mozzarella, marinara & roasted red peppers

Cibatta "Slipper" Bread

Makes: 2 loaves

2 packages active dry yeast

1 ½ C very warm water

3- 3 ¼ C flour

1 tsp salt

½ tsp sugar

1 T olive oil

1. Stir yeast in warm water in small bowl & let stand 5 min. Meanwhile, mix 3 C flour, salt & sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir yeast mixture into flour mixture, stir in oil. If you have a mixer with a hook attachment, you can knead in mixer for 5-7 min. Otherwise, knead on flour surface 5-10 min until dough is smooth & springy (dough will be slightly sticky)

2. Place dough in a greased & floured large bowl. Cover & let rise in warm place about 40 min, or until doubled.

3. Push fist into dough to deflate. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half, & shape each half into a ball. Cover and let rise on surface about 40 min, or until doubled.

4. Spray & lightly flour 2 cookie sheets. Stretch each ball of dough into an 18x6 in rectangle by pulling the edges away from each other. Place on cookie sheet, gently flatten with fingers until about 1 in think. Cover and let rise 30 min, or until doubled.

5. Heat oven to 375. Dust loaves lightly with flour. Bake 35-40 min, or until golden (sound hallow when tapped)..

ENJOY!

Focaccia bread right out of the oven.

Focaccia Bread

Makes: 2 flatbreads