"IT IS A GOOD DAY" with Homemade Garlic Bread in the House. . . .

It is a '"GOOD DAY!" Why? Because, my Chinese horoscope said I should start everyday from here on out saying, "IT IS A GOOD DAY!" I actually like that advice!!

It is also a good day because there is homemade garlic bread in the house. By homemade, I mean homemade, start to finish.

Gin's Garlic Bread

(by Once Upon a Gourmet Gin)

2 cups warm water ( I shoot for 115° F)

2 packages active dry yeast

2 tablespoons raw sugar

2 tablespoons honey

5 to 6 cups bread flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons melted butter

1 cup pesto (preferably homemade)

10 cloves of garlic, very very very thinly sliced

2 cups Italian Cheese

(1) Mix together yeast, sugar and honey and let sit five to ten minutes until foamy and active. (2) Mix flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in yeast mixture, olive oil and melted butter. Knead by hand or in mixer for no less than 15 minutes. (3) Shape dough in to a ball and place in a well oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled. Punch dough down and divide in half. Cover again and let stand for 20 minutes. (4) On two well greased baking pans place the dough that you have shaped in to loaves. Cover and let rise until doubled again. (5) Preheat over to 425 degrees. Bake bread for 25 minutes or until bread sounds hollow. If bread is getting to brown during baking process cover with foil. (6) Cool 30 minutes or longer. (7) Preheat broiler. split each loaf in half horizontally. Brush with pesto, top with garlic and Italian cheese. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes. (7) ENJOY!!

Frankly, if you are looking for a light dinner, a slice of this bread and a nice Caesar salad will do the trick.

My son found my "expensive" bottle of balsamic vinegar and has claimed it has his own. He treated us to a bowl to dip our bread in and it was tantalizingly good. (I might have a Chef in the making!!)

If you are lucky enough to have leftover bread, you can cut it into cubes, toss with olive oil and bake at 450 degrees until crispy and crunchy. HOMEMADE CROUTONS!

PS I have a new camera and clearly do not know how to operate it. Pretty much every picture I take is blurry which can be just a little depressing but "IT IS A GOOD DAY!"

Have a great week. . . . . . . . :-)

PSS The fresh garlic on this bread is enough to chase any Vampire away but why would you want to do that??