Breads

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Bread

Makes one loaf, 9x5x3 inches, about 1½ pounds

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Bread

Makes one loaf, 9x5x3 inches, about 1½ pounds

This is probably the easiest yeast bread you will ever make – no shaping necessary.

Ingredients

cooking spray2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast¼ cup warm (105-110°F) water1 cup lowfat cottage cheese1 large egg3 tablespoons minced sun-dried tomatoes, (dry, not oil-packed)2 tablespoons granulated sugar1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil2 teaspoons dry basil2 teaspoons kosher salt¼ teaspoon baking soda2½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour

Preparation

Stir yeast and a pinch of the flour into warm water in a 1-cup liquid measure; let stand 5 minutes until bubbly.Place cottage cheese, egg, sun-dried tomatoes, sugar, olive oil, basil, salt, and baking soda in Cuisinart mixing bowl. Insert the flat mixing paddle. Turn to speed 2 and mix for 30 seconds, then increase to speed 5 and mix for 1 minute; scrape mixing bowl. Add yeast mixture and flour. Turn to speed 1 and mix for 30 seconds; then increase to speed 3 and mix for 2 minutes. Scrape bowl and paddle. Leaving dough in mixing bowl, lower mixer arm. Cover with plastic wrap and let dough rise until doubled, about 1 to 1½ hours.Lightly coat a 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pan with cooking spray.Turn to speed 1 and stir dough to deflate, 30 seconds. Transfer dough to prepared pan and spread evenly, smoothing over the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until the dough reaches the top of the pan, about 1 hour.Fifteen minutes before baking, preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap and place bread in oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until bread is browned and sounds hollow when tapped. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.For best slices, allow bread to cool before slicing.