Garlic Studded Bread

We've been hard at work on this one...

1 pkg active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110F)
2 cups milk
2 tbs sugar
1 tbs shortening
2 tsp salt
6 cups flour

2 heads garlic, cloved and peeled.

Soften yeast in warm water.

In a saucepan, heat the milk, shortening and salt til the shortening is almost melted and the milk is at about 115F. Stir constantly. Pour into large mixing bowl, then stir in 2 cups of the flour. Add the yeast and water mxture, then stir in as much flour as you can with a spoon.

Turn onto a lightly floured board, and knead in just enough flour for a smooth, elastic dough. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow to rise in a warm place for about an hour and a half.



Punch down, turn out onto a lightly floured board. Carefully poke individual cloves of peeled garlic into the dough, then form it into a boule (round loaf) and place it on a baking sheet.



Rub with olive oil, allow to rise til nearly double.



Bake at 375F for about 50 minutes, or until tapping on the top of the loaf produces a hollow sound. Serve warm with butter and shrimp linguine!

We'll check back with the bread later!