Avanti’s Bread
Description:
Indulge in the delight of Avanti’s Bread, a sweet-scented creation that perfectly complements a myriad of Italian dishes, from the classic spaghetti to the hearty lasagna, and everything in between. This famed bread, reminiscent of the submarine-style sandwiches served at the renowned Avanti’s restaurant in Peoria, is a culinary treasure cherished by many. Named after the iconic “Gondola” sandwich featuring sliced salami, ham, American cheese, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomato, this bread embodies the essence of Italian comfort food with its subtly sweet flavor profile.
Cooking Times:
| Preparation Time | 4 hours |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 4 hours 25 minutes |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 1023.2
- Fat Content: 11.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2g
- Cholesterol Content: 93mg
- Sodium Content: 432.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 201.8g
- Fiber Content: 6.3g
- Sugar Content: 42.2g
- Protein Content: 25.6g
Ingredients:
- 2 packets of active dry yeast
- 3 cups of warm water
- 3 eggs
- 3 teaspoons of salt
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 10-11 cups of additional all-purpose flour (for kneading)
Recipe Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water until it becomes frothy and activated. This usually takes a few minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with the eggs, salt, sugar, and 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour. Gradually add in the additional 10-11 cups of flour while kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process typically takes around 10 minutes.
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First Rise: Once the dough is thoroughly kneaded, place it in a greased bowl, turning it once to ensure the greased side is facing up. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
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Second Rise: After the first rise, gently punch down the dough in the bowl and turn it over. Allow it to rise again until it doubles in size, which typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
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Portion the Dough: Once the dough has risen for the second time, cut it into 5 to 6 equal portions, each roughly the size of a grapefruit.
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Final Rise: Cover the portions of dough and let them rest for an additional 10 minutes to allow for a final rise.
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Shape the Loaves: After the final rise, flatten each portion of dough, pressing out any trapped air, and shape them into long loaves approximately 12 inches in length.
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Preheat the Oven: While shaping the loaves, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s adequately heated for baking.
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Bake the Loaves: Place the shaped loaves onto greased and floured cookie sheets, ensuring they have enough space to expand during baking. Cover them and let them rise again for 50-60 minutes. Once they’ve risen, bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Keywords: Breads, Healthy, Weeknight
Recipe Yield: 6 loaves
Enjoy your homemade Avanti’s Bread, perfect for crafting delicious Gondola sandwiches or as a delightful accompaniment to any Italian meal! 🥖🇮🇹
