## Braided Italian Herb Bread: A Culinary Odyssey into a World of Savory Delights ##
In a realm where flavors dance and aromas intertwine, the Braided Italian Herb Bread emerges as a culinary masterpiece. This delectable offering, hailing from the heart of Italy, captivates the senses with its intricate braids, vibrant herb infusion, and a symphony of textures that create an unforgettable gastronomic experience. As you embark on this culinary journey, discover the secrets behind this exceptional bread, unveiled through a collection of carefully curated recipes.
From the classic Braided Italian Herb Bread, a symphony of fragrant herbs woven into a golden crust, to the tantalizing Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto variation, bursting with Mediterranean flavors, each recipe promises a unique taste adventure. Explore the depths of the Rosemary and Garlic rendition, where the aromatic herb mingles with savory garlic, or indulge in the tangy delight of the Lemon and Thyme combination. And for those seeking a touch of indulgence, the Parmesan and Black Pepper variation adds a layer of rich, nutty complexity.
With each recipe meticulously crafted to guide you through the process, you'll effortlessly transform simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece that elevates any occasion. Whether you're hosting a cozy brunch, a festive holiday gathering, or simply seeking a delightful afternoon treat, the Braided Italian Herb Bread stands ready to enchant your taste buds and create lasting memories. Prepare to embark on a culinary odyssey, where every bite is a celebration of Italian heritage and culinary artistry.
ITALIAN HERB BREAD I
This aromatic bread can be served with dinner, or the dough can be used for pizza.
Provided by Ann Barr
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes
Time 2h40m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Mix yeast, warm water, and white sugar together in a large bowl. Set aside for five minutes, or until mixture becomes foamy.
- Stir olive oil, salt, herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, cheese, and 3 cups flour into the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the next three cups of flour. Dough will be stiff.
- Knead dough for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and rubbery. Place in an oiled bowl, and turn to cover the surface of the dough with oil. Cover with a damp linen dish towel. Allow to rise for one hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Punch dough down to release all the air. Shape into two loaves. Place loaves on a greased cookie sheet, or into two greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise until doubled in size, about a 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 minutes. Remove loaves from pan(s), and let cool on wire racks for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 37 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 2.6 mg, Fat 3 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 320.9 mg, Sugar 1.1 g
GARLIC-HERB BRAID
Savory flavors of rosemary, dill, garlic and basil blend beautifully in this homey loaf that goes with almost any main dish. Get ready for oohs and aahs when you bring this tender and impressive braid to the table! -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 40m
Yield 1 loaf (16 slices).
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and seasonings. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water and cubed butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 4-6 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes., Divide dough into thirds. Shape each into a 15-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet, and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes., Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Freeze option: Securely wrap and freeze cooled loaf in heavy-duty foil. To use, thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 169 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 257mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
MOM'S ITALIAN BREAD
I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted, too. -Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 50m
Yield 2 loaves (12 pieces each).
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into a loaf. Place each loaf seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. With a sharp knife, make 4 shallow slashes across top of each loaf. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 106 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 197mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
Tips:
- Activate the yeast properly: Proof the yeast in warm water with a little sugar to ensure it's active and bubbly before adding it to the dough.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh herbs, flavorful cheese, and good-quality flour will make a big difference in the taste of your bread.
- Knead the dough well: Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure and elasticity.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place: This will help it double in size and become light and airy.
- Bake the bread at a high temperature: This will create a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior.
Conclusion:
Braided Italian herb bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings and fillings. It's perfect for parties, picnics, or everyday meals. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make this bread at home and impress your family and friends with your baking skills.
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