Italian Bread Bowls

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Italian Bread Bowls

Ingredients:

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast 2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F /45 degrees C) 2 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

7 cups all-purpose flour   1 tablespoon cornmeal 1 egg white 1 tablespoon water

Directions: 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.     **I watched this video to learn how to make a round loaf.

Smashing Pumpkin Soup

Smashing Pumpkin Soup
from my friend, Danika

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups pumpkin puree
3/4 cups green onions (I omit these)
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp curry powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups milk

Saute onion in oil in a soup pot.
Cook until very soft and add remaining ingredients, except milk.
Cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
Add milk and cook for additional 5 minutes.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN AND FALL!

Wild Rice Soup

Wild Rice Soup
from my mother-in-law, Michele

2 boxes (4.2 oz each) Rice a Roni Wild Soup
    or 8-9 oz any wild rice mix
2 Tbsp marg or butter
1 Tbsp minced onion
1/4 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup half and half
     or 1 cup canned milk
1/3 cup chopped ham (lunch meat works great)
1/3 cup grated carrots
3 Tbsp slivered almonds, optional

Prepare rice as directed on package.
Meanwhile, melt butter and saute onion.
Stir in flour and chicken broth and let it thicken a little.
Stir in rice and simmer 5-10 minutes.
Blend in milk, ham, carrots, and heat.