Ralfs Pretty Good Yummy Cheese Bread Food

SIMPLY PERFECT HOMEMADE CHEESE BREAD (TWO WAYS)

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, salt and sugar* together. (Tip: If measuring your flour in cups, without a scale, hold back 1 cup to add as needed later). *If you're using honey or agave, add with the liquid ingredients instead.
• In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine the water and buttermilk and whisk in the yeast until dissolved. Add this mixture, along with the melted butter, to the dry ingredients. Mix by hand or with a dough hook, until the mixture is combined, about 2 minutes. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
• Continue mixing the dough, adding more flour in very small increments, as needed, until the dough becomes soft, smooth and tacky, but not sticky.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for a couple of minutes, adding more flour only if the dough is sticking to your hands or the work surface, then form dough into a ball. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and either refrigerate for up to 4 days, or allow to sit at room temperature until doubled in size (about 60-90 minutes). (*Tip: I like to use an 8-cup glass measuring cup, so it's easy to see when it's doubled by the markings).
• Note: If you have refrigerated your dough, remove from the refrigerator 2 hours before you plan to bake, to allow it to come to room temperature.
• Grease two 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pans and set aside.
• Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Dust each with a bit of flour and then, using a rolling pin, roll into a rectangle approximately 10 inches wide and 16 inches long.
• **If you are unclear about the shaping process for this bread, scroll up to the Recipe Video above this Recipe Card. You may wish to watch before starting the shaping process**
• For the Cheddar and Herb Bread: spread the shredded cheddar and herbs evenly over the surface of the dough. Starting with the shortest side, roll the dough up jelly-roll style and pinch the seam together.
• For the Parmesan, Garlic and Herb: spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan, garlic and herbs. Press lightly with the palm of your hand to press the toppings into the butter. Starting with the shortest side, roll the dough up jelly-roll style and pinch the seam together.
• Shaping: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll of dough down the centre, lengthwise. Rotate each piece so that the cut sides are facing upward and place them side-by-side. Pinch together the farthest end. Keeping the cuts sides facing upwards as much as possible, place the right-side piece over the left-side piece. Straighen it up all up and then repeat, pinching together the end closest to you. If any cheese escapes, just place it back on top. Using a bench scraper or spatula, carefully lift the dough into the greased loaf pan. Repeat with the other dough log, then cover both with a greased piece of plastic wrap and allow to rise until the dough rises to about 1-inch above the side of the pans in the middle.
• Preheat oven to 350° F. (not fan assisted). Bake for 45-50 minutes total, but after 25 minutes of baking, rotate pans front-to-back in the oven and loosely cover with a piece of aluminum foil if necessary (if bread is already well-browned), to prevent the top from over-browning. Bread should reach about 185° internal temperature in the centre.
• Remove the bread from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for a couple of minutes. Run a sharp knife around the edge of the bread and carefully remove the loaves to a cooling rack. Allow the loaves to cool for 1 hour before slicing. *Slicing hot or very warm bread will make for a gummy crumb, so resist the urge and let it cool :)

RALF'S PRETTY GOOD YUMMY CHEESE BREAD

Steps:

• Combine egg, milk, and butter.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
• Make a well in dry ingredients and add milk mixture.
• Stir until well blended.
• Spread into a greased 5 x 9" loaf pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

RALF'S PRETTY GOOD OLIVE SALAD

Steps:

• Drain olives and chop in half.
• Core, seed, and coarsely chop the tomatoes.
• Put all ingredients in a large bowl, and mix well.
• Best when served after being refrigerated for at least a couple of hours.
• I sometimes add kalamata olives if I have them onhand for a slightly different taste, or sometimes I use the"Mediterranean" flavour feta cheese instead of plain.

RALF'S PRETTY GOOD PISTACHIO BAKED FISH

Steps:

• Cut fish into serving-size pieces and check for bones.
• Combine bread crumbs, 1/4 cup pistachios, cheese, parsley, and mustard in shallow dish.
• Dip fish in milk and roll in crumb mixture; place in shallow greased baking dish.
• Drizzle with butter; sprinkle with remaining pistachios.
• Bake at 450°F allowing 10 minutes per inch of thickness measured at its thickest part or until fish flakes when tested with fork.

HOMEMADE GARLIC CHEDDAR CHEESE BREAD

Steps:

• Heat milk and butter to 120°F Combine half of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, milk and butter mixture, cheese, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
• Knead with a mixer fitted with a dough hook at highest speed for 3 minutes.
• Add the rest of the flour and continue kneading for 3 more minutes.
• If the dough seems too sticky, slowly add more flour until the stickiness is corrected.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, and spray the top of the dough with cooking spray.
• Cover and let rise for one hour.
• Punch the dough down and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Divide dough in half and form one loaf each in two greased 9 x 5 inch standard loaf pans.
• Cover the pans with plastic wrap and allow dough to rise for 45-60 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F Bake loaves for 10 minutes; then turn oven down to 350F and bake for 30-35 minutes longer, until the breads are browned.
• Cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes; turn out onto a wire rack and allow to cool for a minimum of 5-10 more minutes so the bread firms up enough to be cut.