Chicago Saga II: Herb Parmesan Bread

This recipe is brought to me by the Matriarch of the Chicago Carltons, and the most notable cook of the three.

The best thing about this recipe: This bread is so hearty. It makes your house smell like fresh pizza, but it is dense enough to satisfy your hunger. I think this would be great for house-warmings, with a fruit and cheese platter/party, or as a side to a big family dinner. I made it as an after dinner/midnight snack before going to bed.

Ingridents
2 Cups warm water
2 Packages dry yeast
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Teaspoons salt
2 Tablespoons butter at room temperature
4 ½ Cups flour
½ a Cup grated parmesan cheese
1 ½ Tablespoon oregano and other seasonings (I used ½ TB fennel seed, ½ TB Basil and ½ TB oregano)
Dash of garlic

Preparation
Preheat oven to 375.

Sprinkle yeast over water in a large bowl. If the water is too hot, it will kill it, and too cold, it won’t activate. If you see it bubbling up, you are doing it right.


Let stand a few minutes and then stir to dissolve the yeast.







Add sugar, salt, butter and cheese herbs and only 3 cups of flour. Beat at low speed until smooth, for 2 minutes.


Add the rest of the flour (I took a wooden spoon to it to try and incorporate some of the flour, but was careful to keep from over-doing it).






Let rise in a warm place covered with a clean towel, about 45 minutes or until light and bubbly and more than double in size. If you have used your stove top and/or oven, you can use that as a warm space.










The original recipe calls for a 1 ½ quart casserole or bread pan. I don’t own those, so I used a 2 quart, 8X8 pan. With a wooden spoon, beat down the batter (about 25 strokes). Turn into a casserole dish. Sprinkle cheese over the bread. Bake 45-55 minutes, or until lightly browned. Turn onto a wire rack, cooled.

Enjoy!!!

 

Vegetarian
This is a vegetarian option, already.

Back Story
This recipe belongs to my Aunt, who willing entered into our crazy tribe. She is not the loudest, or often the center of attention, but she is often witty with a cool essence about her. She has got this twinkle in her eye, and a presence that lets you know that you aren't going to get anything by her. I remember after a family re-union, when I was still very young, hugging everyone goodbye and telling her that I was going to miss her most of all. I just felt a great connection. I think it’s really telling that she didn't pick a main dish, but something that would be a side, and could still be a show-stopper in its own right.