New! Only $4.99! Italian Country Bread (with directions for garlic knots)

See the reviews for Italian bread here!

These garlic knots are made with Italian Country Bread 

1. They are simple to make. Mix the dough according to package instructions, either in your bread machine on the dough setting or with your stand-type mixer.
2. Let the dough rise.
3. Punch it down and cut into golf-ball-sized pieces.
4. Roll the balls into ropes about six inches long.
5. Tie them into loose knots, figure eight, or like a kaiser roll. Place them on a greased baking sheet.
6. Make an egg wash with one egg and two tablespoons of warm water. With a pastry brush, brush the egg wash over the rolls. 
7. Bake them for about 18 minutes or until they turn golden, about 190 degrees with your probe-type kitchen thermometer.
8. Melt a half-stick of butter and mix in a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder or one clove of garlic, minced. Brush the melted garlic butter over the rolls while they are still warm. If you want more garlic flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder. Chop a little minced parsley over the warm rolls.

These are incredibly delicious, especially served warm.

Learn more about the bread!

• Is this a sourdough bread? Not really. It's a European country sour—a little sour without being a full-blown sourdough. It tastes slightly sourdough, not nearly like a full sourdough bread. but more character and taste than a grocery store loaf.
• Is it crusty like a sourdough? It's more like a French bread—crusty on the outside but soft in the middle. It's more crackly than chewy. The interior is creamy and soft.
• What's the difference between a French bread and an Italian bread? Both French and Italian breads are broad in scope and can vary from region to region with overlap. Some Italian breads have herbs--this one doesn't.  Some Italian breads have traces of olive oil and milk.  This one has a touch of dairy.
• Will my kids like it? Kids like white bread. This is white. 
• Can I make it round or long? You can make it any shape you want, even sandwich rolls. 
• Why is the water temperature important? The ideal temperature for yeast is 79 degrees. That's where yeast grows best. 
• Is it sweet at all? Not really, pleasant, but not sweet. Actually, it's a little sour.
• What do I need to add? Only water.
• It says "no preservatives."  We add nothing except a touch of dough enhancer to help the yeast grow.  Without preservatives, it won't last forever. If you're not going to use it in four or five days, freeze the extra.

Dennis Weaver

Your family will love the garlic knots!  Give it a try.