This bread is ready very fast and with minimal fuss. I call it pizza bread, because I use my standard pizza dough and bake it into two round loaves. This is the bread of choice when I have a short notice of company. If I start it at 2PM, by 6PM the fresh loaves are sliced and on the table.
PIZZA BREAD
2-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2-1/4 tsp instant yeast [2-1/4 tsp = 1 package]
1/4 cup oil
1 cup lukewarm water
desired toppings
• Place flour sugar, salt and instant yeast in a large bowl.
• Add the oil and the lukewarm water.
• Mix well.
• Let dough rest for 15 minutes.
• Transfer the dough to a stand beater and with dough hook attachment beat at medium high speed for 4 minutes. Or place the dough on a floured board and kneed until very elastic.
• Place the dough, it will be a bit sticky, in a lightly oiled bowl and turn over.
• Let the dough rise until doubled.
• Punch the dough down.
• Divide dough and shape into two balls.
• Preheat the oven to 400F.
• Place the balls on a parchment lined baking sheet.
• Sprinkle a little flour on the top and cut two slits into the dough.
• Let the breads double and then place them in the preheated oven and bake until nice golden brown.
