Bread Bowl

Whether you're short on serving bowls or just want to make your table more festive, consider placing dip in a bread bowl.  Instead of spend $3 - $4, make this quick, inexpensive alternative.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups flour
• 2 packages yeast (2 T)
• 2 T Sugar
• 1 T Salt
• 2 cups hot water
• Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds (if desired)

Blend 4 cups flour, yeast, salt and sugar in mixing bowl.  Add hot water.  Blend.  Add remaining flour.  Blend.  Knead for 8 minutes.  Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.  Knead on a floured surface.  Divide in half.  Shape each half into a round loaf.  Place on baking sheet and cut an "X" into the top.  If desired, brush with water and top with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.  Place on top rack of a cold oven.  Place baking pan with boiling water on lower rack.  Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Bake 40 - 50 minutes.

Allow to cool.  Cut top from loaf.  Scoop out bread.  Cut into chunks for dipping (or use to make croutons).  Fill will desired dip just prior to guests arrival.

NOTE:  Divide dough into 6 - 8 sections to create soup bowls.  Adjust baking time to avoid overcooking.

Recipe adapted from The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczn.