Italian Herb Bread

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino romano cheese
• 6 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. 1

   Mix yeast, warm water and sugar together in a large bowl. Set aside for five minutes, or until mixture becomes foamy.

2. 2

   Stir in olive oil, salt, herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, cheese and 3 cups flour into the yeast mixture.

3. 3

   Gradually mix in next three cups of flour. (Dough will be stiff). Knead for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.

4. 4

   Place in an oiled bowl, turning to cover sides with oil. Cover with a damp linen towel, or plastic wrap. Let rise for 1 hour, or until dough has doubled.

5. 5

   Punch down to release all the air. Shape into two loaves. Place loaves on a greased cookie sheet, or into two 9x5 inch, greased pans.

6. 6

   Allow to rise for 1/2 hour again, until doubled in a warm place.

7. 7

   Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

8. 8

   Remove loaves from pans and let cool on wire racks for at least 15 minutes, before slicing.