Homemade Italian Bread

I served this bread with homemade veggie marinara sauce over spaghetti squash. :)

 2  1/4 teaspoons yeast or 1 active dry packet
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 cup water 104 degrees
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 -3 cups flour
1 egg white

Dissolve yeast, 1/4 cup warm water, and 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar in a small bowl.

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup hot water, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt and oil.  Add 1 1/2 cups flour and mix.  Stir in yeast mixture.

Add 1-1 1/2 cups more flour and knead till the desired texture.

Cover and let rise 1 hour.

Roll out each piece on a floured surface into the length desired then roll up lengthwise like a jelly roll.  

Put on a greased cookie sheet, sealed side down, and tuck the ends under.  Slash the top diagonally across the top every couple of inches with a sharp knife.

Cover and let rise 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Whisk the egg white and brush over the top of loaves.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

This recipe can be doubled easily for 2 loafs of bread.  This is an excellent tasting Italian bread that is awesome in dipping oil.  :)

~Carol~