Tomato Basil Bread - By Hand Or Bread Machine

Total Time: 37 mins Preparation Time: 2 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 )
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, minced (substitute with 2 tablespoons dried)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 1/2-2 3/4 cups bread flour

Recipe

• 1 in a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. stir in basil, parmesan cheese, tomato paste, sugar, oil, salt, pepper flakes and 2 cups flour. stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
• 2 turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes. place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• 3 punch dough down; knead for 1 minute. shape into a round loaf. place on a greased baking sheet. cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
• 4 with a sharp knife, cut a large "x" in top of loaf. bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.