Italian Bread

This recipe is fairly easy with only four ingredients! It is a perfect accompaniment to almost any meal. You can change it up, by making it into garlic bread or herb bread. Add your favorite spices or herbs.

serves 12 ( 3 points +) or

serves 16 ( 2 points +)

• 3 c. bread flour or all purpose flour
• 1 c. warm water
• 1 T. active dry yeast
• 1 tsp. salt

Combine water and yeast. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in salt. Add 2 c. flour. If you have a stand mixer, you can gradually add the rest of the flour and mix for 5-6 minutes. Otherwise, you must knead the dough by hand, adding flour as needed. Knead 6-7 minutes or until smooth and elastic.

Cover and put in a warm place. I place mine on top of my stove with the oven lit. Let rise until doubled.

Punch down. Form into a loaf on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cover with a damp towel and let rise again. Bake at 375 until golden and until hollow sounding when tapped ( about 30-40 minutes). Cool and slice.