Welcome to the world baby "B"!

When a friend in my neighborhood had her first baby last week, I really wanted to take her something. Those first few days...weeks can be a little rough. I kept asking myself what I needed or what would have been nice to receive. I remembered being hungry but exhausted; knowing I needed to eat for good breast milk production, but having no desire to cook or fix anything. Especially in the middle of the night or early morning. So I thought I'd make her some bread. Something easy to grab and eat, taste good, and go back to bed. I hope you liked it Lindy, and trust me...you will feel normal again! And baby "B" is soooo cute!


FRENCH CHEESE BREAD
(Recipe courtesy my sister Jen Uibel)

2 T. instant yeast
½ C. warm water
½ t. sugar
2 C. hot water
2 ½ T. salt
½ C. oil
6 C. flour
4 C. shredded cheese (flavor of choice. I like a sharp cheddar, Asiago, or Grier; something with a strong flavor.)
Garlic powder

1. In a small bowl start the yeast growing by putting it in the warm water and sugar.
2. In a larger mixing bowl mix water, salt, oil and 3 cups of the flour. Mix well by hand or in a mixer with a dough hook.
3. Add yeast mixture and 3 more cups of flour.
4. Kneed really well, then allow to the dough to rest for 10 minutes. Knead again, rest for 10 minutes; repeat this 5 times.
5. Divide the dough in half and roll out onto floured board into a rectangle.
6. Sprinkle with 2 cups shredded cheese, and sprinkle with garlic powder.
7. Roll into a French loaf. Repeat with the other half of the dough.
8. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle with corn meal.
9. Place loaves on the prepared sheet pan. Slit the top of the loaves a little over half way down.
10. Brush tops with whipped egg whites.
11. Allow the loaves to rest for 20 minutes.
12. Bake at 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes