Crusty Rosemary Bread

Have you ever made a dish that was so good you just HAD to make it again as soon as possible? The flavours and texture were just so good and addicting that you were compelled to duplicate the experience practically right away?

Oh ya, baby. We had that experience with this bread ... two nights in a row. Not only did we make totally inappropriate Yummy Noises because it was so tasty but it was super easy! The crust was crispy and the fragrance that emanated from this bread is what I think heaven must smell like! Well, a combination of that and Zac Ephron (Down Cougar! Down!).

You cannot get easier than bread from a bread maker. In fact, I own two breadmakers (a 14 year old smaller version and a big, newer model). You just never know when you'll have a carb emergency! In our huge extended bread lovin'family my machines have come in quite handy!

To add to this moment of culinary nirvana I also whipped up a spicy bread dipper. I've tried a few store-bought dippers but decided to make one myself. This bread (and dipper) totally jazzed up our relatively blaw meal of tomato soup and salad!!

I was also happy that I was able to use the bounty from my rosemary plant. Last summer was my first summer with fresh herbs in my garden so I got totally spoiled and passionate about fresh herbs! I wasn't going to let snow kill my beloved herbs so I decided to let them 'winter' indoors in front of my slider. It was no Florida gulf coast but I think they enjoyed it. Thankfully my killer watch dog protects my prized rosemary from danger and those who may wish it harm .... he's much more vicious than he looks. Well, maybe not.


Back to the bread ... being the bread addicts that we are you won't be surprised to hear that we inhaled this bread (and dipper) by the meal's end. Just the smell and look of this bread alone was enough for the kids to gobble up their tomato soup (not the chunks of tomato, who am I kidding?) so that they could have a slice or two before Brad and I wolfed down the entire loaf by ourselves. They know that freshly baked bread doesn't stand a chance on our table. We pounce on it like hyenas on a lame gazelle!!

Enjoy this recipe. I dare you to make just one loaf!

NOTE: I'll post the Spicy Bread Dipper recipe tomorrow so check back!!

Recipe by: The Baking Bookworm
Recipe Inspired By: Allrecipes.com

Yield: 1 1/2 lb loaf

1 cup water
3 tbsp olive or grapeseed oil
1 1/2 tsp white sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2-3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried rosemary)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp bread machine yeast

Place all ingredients into the pan of your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select the White Bread or Basic Bread cycle. Press Start.