Bread Bowls

So... tonight for dinner we're having homemade chili (love it, we'll have to post the recipe soon!)
and homemade bread bowls... I improvised a few things this time around, to see if I could
better perfect them. We'll have to see. The dough is rising as I am typing this post, can't wait to try them!

You'll need the following ingredients:

♥ 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
♥ 2 1/2 cups warm water
♥ 2 teaspoons salt
♥ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
♥ 7 cups all-purpose flour (I sift mine and then measure it.)

♥ 1 tablespoon cornmeal
♥ 1 egg white
♥ 1 tablespoon water



***I added 1 tablespoon of white sugar to the yeast and water mixture.***

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. Add salt, oil and 4 cups flour to the yeast mixture; beat well. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well with an electric mixer at medium speed after each addition.
3. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
4. Punch dough down, and divide into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 4 inch round loaf. Place loaves on lightly greased baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 35 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a small bowl, beat together egg white and 1 tablespoon water; lightly brush the loaves with half of this egg wash.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Brush with remaining egg mixture, and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until golden. Cool on wire racks.
7. To make bowls: Cut a 1/2 inch thick slice from top of each loaf; scoop out centers, leaving 3/4-inch-thick shells. Fill bread bowls with hot soup and serve immediately.

As soon as they're done baking, I will get some pictures up and let you all know how they taste!