5 Delicious Bread Recipes

Bread Sticks
Makes 1 dozen

You can make short stubby bread sticks or long thin ones — just stretch to the size and shape you want them.

• 1 recipe Soft, Tender American-Style Bread Dough
• Cornmeal for baking sheet
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Your choice of one of the following: 2 tablespoons minced garlic (from the grocery store's spice section), sesame seeds or nigella seeds (see note in naan bread) or 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Sprinkle a large baking sheet with cornmeal. Using a large serrated knife or dough scraper, cut dough into 12 equal pieces. Working one at time, roll each piece into a 6- or up to a 12-inch log and place on prepared baking sheet. (If making longer bread sticks you'll need 2 baking sheets.) Cover with damp cloth and let rise until almost doubled, about 1 hour.
Ten minutes before baking, adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Brush dough rounds with egg wash and sprinkle with one of the suggested flavorings. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Mini Loaves
4 Loaves

• 1 recipe Soft, Tender American-Style Bread Dough
  
• 1 large egg, beaten

Spray four 6- by 3-inch mini loaf pans with vegetable cooking spray. Using a large serrated knife or dough scraper, cut dough into 4 equal pieces; knead each piece into a loaf shape and place in prepared pan. Cover with a damp cloth and set in a warm place until almost doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.

Ten minutes before baking, adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Brush dough tops with egg wash. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Also of interest: Delicious baked donuts.