French Bread with Dipping Oil

Here's a delicious recipe for homemade French Bread to serve with any meal. Delicious with the dipping oil at the end of this recipe.

1 package active dry yeast
3/4 cups warm water
1 cup warm milk (110-115 degrees)
1/3 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4-4 1/2 cups flour

In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In small saucepan, combine milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat until butter starts to melt (between 110-115 degrees). Add to yeast mixture with 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough. Knead on floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and allow to rise for 50-60 minutes.

Punch dough down. Turn onto lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. With rolling pin, shape each into 10x12 rectangle. Roll up jelly roll style, pinching edges and ends to seal. Transfer to greased baking sheet, placing sealed edges down. With a sharp knife, slice 3-4 diagonal cuts in each. Allow to rise for 20-30 minutes. Bake at 400 degree oven for 20 minutes, until crust is golden brown. Serve warm. May freeze extra loaf if desired.

Bread Dipping Oil

1 tablespoon minced dried onion
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 teaspoons Balsamic Vinegar

In a small bowl, combine onion, rosemary, oregano, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Store in airtight container to use as needed.

For dipping, combine olive oil, 2 teaspoon dipping spice, and balsamic vinegar in a small serving dish. Serve with warm French bread. Yum!
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