Consuming Passions - Worldwide Events Managers

Basic Bread

Serves:

Notes

Makes 2 loaves. This may form the basis of other breads, such as pizza, calzone and pitta.

Ingredients

• 500g plain white flour
• 2 7g sachets dried yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Water (enough to make a firm dough)

Method

Mix 1 Tbsp flour, the sugar and yeast with a couple of Tbsp tepid water and allow to stand for 20 minutes. This will activate the yeast. In a large bowl mix flour, 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt. Add yeast mixture and enough water to make up a firm dough and mix well. Cover bowl with damp tea towel and leave in a warm place for an hour. Remove dough to a floured work bench and knead for five or six minutes. Divide dough in two, knead each into a loaf shape, put in oiled bread tin, cover with damp tea towel and leave in a warm place for an hour. Before baking, sprinkle surface of each loaf with flour. Bake in moderately hot oven (200°C) for about 45 minutes, or until top is golden brown and bottom is light brown. Tap the bottom, it should sound hollow.