Homemade Bread

There is something about making bread that makes my heart skip a beat. 

The aroma of the yeast as it forms the starter, 

the rising of the dough,

the kneading and forming of the loaves or rolls, 

the smell of the bread baking in the oven. 

It's the whole process of making the bread that I love. 

Of course, I have to admit that the bonus of baking bread is its taste, appearance and texture.

Mmmm...hot fresh bread with Happy Cow butter and homemade jam!

Ciabatta Rolls (adapted from King Arthur Flour)

1 1/2 cups flour plus 3 cups flour

1 cup cool water

a pinch of yeast plus 2 teaspoons yeast

2 1/4 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk

2/3 cup lukewarm water

3 tablespoons olive oil

1. Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, water, and pinch of yeast in a large bowl until well combined. Cover and let it rest at room temperature overnight. It will become bubbly.

2. Add the remaining ingredients to the mixture and beat at medium speed for 7 minutes. The dough will be very smooth and soft.

3. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 2 hours, deflating it midway through.

4. Turn the dough out of the bowl onto a lightly greased work surface. Divide the dough in to 12 pieces. Roll into balls and flatten into disks. Transfer to baking sheets leaving about 3 inched apart. 5.  Cover the rolls with oiled plastic wrap and allow to rise for 2 or 3 hours. 6. Bake 425 until golden brown.   Enjoy...