posted by Ann 06-17-98 1:00 PM
Sun Dried Tomato & Garlic Herb Cheese Bread
5 cups unbleached self rising flour
2 packs active dry yeast
1 T. sugar
1 T kosher salt
2 T extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups water (more if needed)
Place water (105 degrees) in large bowl add sugar and sprinkle yeast. Set
aside for 15 minutes until yeast is dissolved and bubbly.
Add oil, flour, salt mix until combined.
Turn out on floured surface and kneed in the following:
1/2 cup rehydrated sun dried tomatoes;(microwave in covered dish w/ water
1 min)
1/2 cup (yes 1/2 cup) chopped garlic
15 fresh coarse chopped basil leaves
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
Place in lightly greased bowl and proof covered 45 minutes in oven with
light on
Grease two loaf pans generously with olive oil and dust
inside with the following dry mixed spices;reserving some for sprinkling on top of loaves:
1/2 t thyme
1/2 tsp
oregano
1/2 t basil
1/2 t ground fennel
1 t fresh ground
black pepper
Remove dough and divide. Shape and place gently in loaf pans avoiding
contact with sides.
Drizzle tops with olive oil
and dust with reserved spices and another dash of kosher salt.
Coat tops with fresh grated parmesan cheese (as much as you can get to
stick). Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.
Turn oven off and bake a few additional minutes until tops are quite dark
and bread sounds hollow when thumped.