Homemade Garlic Bread

Directions

 Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Toss the cloves of garlic with 2 tablespoons olive oil and place them in a small baking dish.  Cover with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes; uncover and continue baking until the garlic is soft and creamy.  Cool, then slip the skins off the garlic and set the cloves aside.

Increase oven temperature to 375°F at least 20 minutes prior to baking the bread.

Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of the water; allow it to stand covered for a few minutes.  Stir in the remaining water and begin adding the flour with the salt a little at a time until a ball of dough is obtained.  Do not add too much flour or the bread will be tough.

Knead until smooth; place the dough in a large bowl, cover and allow to rise until doubled in size.

Punch the dough down and knead on a floured surface into a smooth ball.  Insert cloves of garlic randomly in the dough.  Place on a lightly greased baking sheet or on a peel and let it rise again until almost doubled in size.

Slash the top in a few places with a lame and bake until nicely browned.

This recipe is featured on show 1801, Garlic for Health – Aglio per Salute.