Hot Italian Bread Dippampered Chef Recipes

ZEPPOLI (ITALIAN FRIED BREAD DOUGH )

Steps:

• Heat about 3 inches of oil in a saucepan to 375°F (119°C).
• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water; set aside for 10 minutes.
• Stir the remaining 1/2 cup water into the bowl.
• Add flour, beating vigorously until a soft dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a smooth surface, and knead with greased hands until smooth.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface.
• Cover with a damp cloth.
• Let rise in a warm place until double in bulk, about 1 to 1/1/2 hours.
• Fry golf ball sizes of dough in batches until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, and eat while still hot.

MAMA D'S ITALIAN BREAD

Steps:

• Add the sugar and yeast to the warm water and let proof.
• Stir in 4 cups of flour and beat until smooth. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
• Beat in the salt and then add enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Knead until as soft and smooth as a bambino's behind. Turn in a greased bowl, cover, and let double in size. (I put it in the oven with the light on - perfect rising temperature.)
• Once doubled, punch down and divide into three. Place back in the bowl, cover, and let rise.
• Once doubled again, punch down and form into three fat "footballs." Grease heavy cookie sheets and sprinkle with corn meal. Place the bread on the sheets, cover with a towel, and let rise.
• Once risen, mist with water and place in a preheated 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) oven. Mist loaves with water and turn occasionally while they bake. Bread is done when golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

ITALIAN PARTY BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Place pizza dough on a floured surface and roll into a rectangular shape between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch thick, letting dough relax occasionally if it keeps springing back. Spread pesto on top, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. Top evenly with provolone cheese, prosciutto, and peppers.
• Roll up tightly in the direction that gives you the most length, ending with the seam on the bottom. Press down to flatten slightly and dust the top lightly with flour. Use a pizza wheel to cut dough lengthwise into 3 long, even strips using a pizza wheel.
• Place strips next to each other but not touching, the middle strip cut-side up and the other two cut-sides facing in. Braid them together, then curl the ends in to form a round wreath shape, tucking any loose ends under the loaf. Transfer onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until nicely browned, about 30 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.

HOT ITALIAN ANTIPASTI DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
• Place bread slices on cookie sheet. Brush on both sides with olive oil; set aside.
• In medium bowl, mix Italian cheese blend, cream cheese, sour cream, artichoke hearts, garlic, oregano and pepper flakes. Spread evenly in baking dish.
• Top cheese mixture in baking dish with salami and prosciutto, then top with roasted peppers and olives. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 20 to 24 minutes or until bubbling. Meanwhile, bake bread slices in same oven 20 to 24 minutes or until golden brown and toasted.
• Top dip with basil; serve with toasted bread slices.