Tomato Basil Bread - By Hand Or Bread Machine - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 )
1/4 cup fresh basil, minced (substitute with 2 tablespoons dried)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 1/2 - 2 3/4 cups bread flour

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Stir in basil, Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, sugar, oil, salt, pepper flakes and 2 cups flour. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; knead for 1 minute. Shape into a round loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
With a sharp knife, cut a large \"X\" in top of loaf. Bake at 375\u00b0 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.