Three-Cheese Bread

A few weeks back, I decided I wanted fresh baked bread with my dinner. I always love the process of baking bread, it just never seems to work out the way that I would like for it too. This recipe comes from The Panera Bread Cookbook and was simple to make. The loaf turned out beautifully and I was excited to try it out. When I sliced into the loaf it seemed a little dense and has a cake like crumb. The flavor was good, but the consistency was nothing to write home about. I guess I will continue my search for the best recipe. This recipe makes 2 loaves.

Three-Cheese Bread

Starter:
1 cup warm water (95-105 F)
2 tsp. fresh yeast
1 cup all-purpose flour
Dough:
3/4 cup warm water (95-105 F)
3 Tbsp. honey
4 tsp. fresh yeast
1/4 cup + 1 tsp. vegetable shortening
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. salt
1/2 cup 1/2-inch cubes Romano cheese
1/2 cup 1/2-inch cubes Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup 1/2-inch cubes Asiago cheese

For the starter, combine water and yeast in medium bowl. Stir to dissolve yeast. Add flour and stir until completely incorporated. Cover with a cloth and and set in warm place for 30 minutes.
For the dough, combine water, honey and yeast in bowl of a stand mixer. Stir to dissolve yeast. Add shortening, flour, salt, cheeses and starter. Mix on low until dough is fully developed. Remove from mixing bowl.
Divide into 2 pieces. Roll each piece of dough int smooth ball. Place on counter and cover with a warm, damp cloth and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Form the dough into loaves, cover with warm, damp cloth and proof at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Score the loaves with a sharp knife, spray with water and bake for 30 minutes. until crusts are golden brown.
Remove from oven and place on cooling rack for 30 minutes.

Pistachio Heaven

My Mom makes this great pistachio pudding dessert that is so addictive and has become one of my favorites. I finally got the recipe from her and prepared it for dinner with friends. Needless too say, it was a huge hit and is so very easy to make. I guess you could use any pudding flavor in this recipe, but I love the flavor of the pistachio and Heath bars together.

Pistachio Heaven

1 pre-baked angel food cake
2 (3.4 oz.) boxes instant pistachio flavored pudding
1 (12 oz.) container Cool-Whip, thawed ( I used lite)
4 Heath Bars, crushed

Cut or tear the angel food cake into bite size pieces and place in bottom of 9x13 cake pan. Make pudding according to box directions and pour over cake. Cover and place in refrigerator until pudding is set. Spread with Cool-Whip and sprinkle with crushed candy bars. Serve.

Tarantino's New Location

If you didn't already know, Tarantiono's has a new location. They are located at 13th and Locust, the address is 417A East 13th. They are still serving up the best calzones, pizzas and eggplant around. Joe and Trish are working harder than ever, keeping up with their big new lunch business. They should have their liquor license by the end of this week, so be ready to enjoy a nice, cold Peroni with your favorite calzone. The space is much larger than the old place, but Joe and Trish have all the charm as before. Joe has such a passion for cooking and food and Trish makes you feel as though you are spending the evening with family. If you haven't checked them out before, make sure to add this to your list. They have their own parking lot behind the building, plus there is plenty of street parking. You can call for carry out and delivery at 816-421-0043. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 10.