GREAT ITALIAN BREAD 
2 packs dry yeast (or equivalent)
2 1/2 cups warm water
2 tbsp. honey
1 1/2 tbsp. salt
2 tbsp. oil
7 cups flour (more maybe needed for kneading), divided
4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 tbsp. black pepper

Sprinkle yeast over water in a large bowl. Add in honey and let sit for 5 minutes. Mix until yeast is COMPLETELY dispersed. Add salt and oil. Use electric mixer and add in 3 cups of flour. Mix well for 1 minutes and add in 3 more cups of flour.

Sprinkle flour on open surface. slowly pour dough on to floured surface. Quickly sprinkle flour on top of dough and knead quickly for 5 minutes. Grease large bowl and turn dough to grease top. Let rise for 1 1/2 hours.

Break dough into three equal pieces. Roll each out into an oval. Roll up each like a jelly roll. Place each on a cookie sheet. Let rise until doubled in size. Brush the top of the dough with melted butter. Sprinkle with black pepper.

Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Best within two days.

Submitted by: Alec Johnson

 

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