Avanti's Italian Bread

Avanti's Italian Bread

Makes 5-6 loaves

• 2 tablespoons yeast
• 3 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 10-11 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Add eggs, oil, salt and sugar. Let foam for a 10-15 minutes. Stir in enough flour to make a smooth dough, approximately 8-9 cups. Knead, using additional flour until dough is no longer sticky. Put back in mixing bowl. Cover and let rise 1.5 hours. Punch down. Turn dough over in bowl and allow to rise another 30 minutes.

Here is the fun part: While this dough makes great french bread-type loaves, it can be shaped into any type of loaf or roll. It makes excellent hoagie or sub sandwich rolls, hot dog and hamburger buns, dinner rolls, even bread sticks.

So you can make a couple loaves of french bread and the rest into sandwich rolls.... or all rolls... or all loaves. Whatever you decide to make, divide the dough and shape it accordingly. Place on a greased pan and allow to rise 1 more hour. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of your rolls/loaves.

If you are needing to feed an army, this recipe will make 5-6 loaves or dozens of rolls. Since I am not, thankfully, it freezes well. After baking your bread and/or rolls, allow to cool completely and freeze in zip type bags for up to 6 months.

Please visit Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday for lots more delicious recipes and tips.