Bread bowl

For the first time my mom-in-law came to USA for much needed vacation. She enjoyed many things about this country except restaurant because, she doesn't eat onion and garlic. I wanted her to taste at least once this bread bowl at Panera or Boudin. However, due to diet restrictions it never clicked. So I thought of trying it at home. Fortunately it turned out so very well. When i pulled bread bowls out of oven my happiness knew no boundaries, I was so proud of myself. 

Once you try this do let me know about your experience. 

Ingredients - 

1. 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeat.

2. 2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

3. 2 teaspoons salt

4. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

5. 7 cups all purpose flour

6. 1 tablespoon cornmeal

7. 3 tablespoon milk

Directions - 

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 8-10 minutes. 

2. Add salt, oil and 4 cups of flour to the yeast mixture; beat well. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well with an electric mixer at medium speed after each addition. 

3. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough, in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. 

4. Punch dough down, and divide into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 4 inch round loaf. place loaves on lightly greased  baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 35 minutes. 

5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly brush the loaves with half of milk. 

6. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Brush with remaining milk and bake 10-15 more minutes or until golden. Cool on wire racks. 

7. To make bowls; Cut a 1/2 inch thick slice from the top of each loaf; scoop out centers, leaving 3/4 inch thick shells. Fill bread bowls with hot soup and serve immediately. 

I filled it creamy tomato soup and added some croutons.