everything bread

I’ll admit it. I like watching The Hills. There is just something so endearing about LC that I can’t get enough of. I think it’s the reality TV show aspect. It is SO fake and yet…. i’m hooked. Perhaps it fills the void that the OC left in me. Anyway. Back to the point. (Obviously) I follow LC’s blog and every social media channel and she was telling people not to eat bread. Major concern. I would rather do 100 squats then give up bread. The only thing I took away from her article was to make my own bread. So here you have my ‘Everything Bread’. I say that as you can literally add whatever you want. It’s a perfect base to gain kitchen cred.

My Everything Bread

Ingredients
360g plain flour
1tsp caster sugar
1 sachet (7g) dry yeast
3tbs olive oil

Ideas for additions:
Sun dried tomatoes, fennel seeds, olives, rosemary, dried herbs, roast pumpkin, feta, jalapeños etc etc etc

Method
Stand mixer:
Using a dough hook mix together the flour, yeast, sugar and salt until combined on level 3. While still mixing, pour in the olive oil and 250ml water and increase the speed to 4-5. Mix for 10 minutes. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with glad wrap and leave aside for 30 minutes.

By hand (respect):
In a large bowl mix together the flour, yeast, sugar and salt then make a well in the centre. Pour in the olive oil and water and stir through the dry ingredients until a dough if formed. Roll out onto a floured surface and kneed for 10 minutes or until the dough has become elastic and silken. Keep aside in an oiled bowl, cover with glad wrap and leave aside for 30 minutes.

Once the dough has doubled in size pop your additions into the bowl, squishing them into the dough. Transfer onto a lined baking tray and roll into a circle or thin log. Leave aside for a further 20 minutes. This will ensure you dough is light and fluffy as you are ensuring the yeast is fully activated. Pre heat your oven to 200.

Bake for 15 minutes then reduce the heat to 170 and bake for a further 10 minutes.