AVANTI'S BLOOMINGTON RECIPES

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit, undisturbed for about 10 minutes. You should see little bubbles appear. This tells you that the yeast is active.
• In a large bowl, mix oil, eggs, salt, sugar and water and yeast mixture together till blended.
• Add flour one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Knead till smooth and elastic.
• Let rise till doubled, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• repeat the kneading and rising.
• Punch down.
• Cut dough into 2 pieces.
• Let rise, covered for 10 minutes.
• Shape into 2 oblong loaves, about 14 inches long.
• Place on greased cookie sheets.
• Cover: let rise again, about 50-60 minutes.
• Cut slash down middle of bread or 3 slashes diagonally on top.
• Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes.

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in warm water; add remaining ingredients & knead for approximately 10 minutes, or until dough is smooth & elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to bring greased side up.
• Cover with a cloth & let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until dough has doubled in bulk (1 1/2 to 2 hours).
• After first rising, punch dough down in bowl & turn over; let rise again until double (30-45 minutes).
• Cut dough into 5 to 6 portions, each about the size of a grapefruit.
• Let rise, covered for 10 minutes.
• Flatten dough, pressing out all the air, and form into long loaves, about 12" long.
• Place loaves on greased & floured cookie sheets; cover & let rise again (50-60 minutes).
• Preheat oven to 350F.
• Bake loaves for 20-25 minutes, until tops are golden brown & loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.