Baking Bread Part 2

Last Monday I wrote how developing characters is similar to the process of baking bread. Keeping with that theme, I'm sharing a recipe on how to make your own pita bread. I've always wanted to try making my own and finally did it this past weekend. They came out okay, but I think they'll get better the more I make them.

Pita Bread

1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cups all purpose flour

Combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large bowl and set aside for 5 minutes
Add 3 tablespoons of the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and 1 cup of all purpose flour to yeast mixture. Stir until mixed well. Add 1 cup flour, stir, then remove dough to a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. Add the remaining cup of flour and knead for about 3 minutes or until the dough and flour have combined and will form into a ball.

Grease the bowl with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then put the dough back into the bowl. Turn dough over so all surfaces are coated in the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and then with a thick towel. Set aside to rise until double in size or 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Uncover the bowl and divide dough into 10 equal pieces. lightly dust with flour, and cover with plastic wrap or a moist towel.

Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll out each dough ball to 1/4 inch think and place on a baking sheet. Let the rolled out pieces sit for at least 10 minutes before baking.

Bake for 3 or 4 minutes or until dough puffs up into a ball. Remove from the oven and transfer to a plate and cover with a lightly damp towel. (If a pocket doesn't form when baked, you can spritz the next batch with water and continue to bake it.)

Makes 10 pitas. These are best if used within one week.