Bread Basket: a Delicious Centerpiece to Surprise Everyone

INGREDIENTS

• 60g (1/4 cup) of sugar
• 7g (1 tbsp) of dry yeast
• 260ml (1 cup) of water
• 1 egg
• 60ml (1/4 cup) of vegetable oil
• 520g (4 1/4 cups) of all-purpose flour
• 6g (1 tsp) of salt
• Oil for brushing
• Egg for egg wash

METHOD

1. In a bowl add the sugar, yeast, and water and whisk to dissolve. Add the egg, oil, flour, and salt and continue with mixing. When the dough starts forming, knead it with your hands to obtain a smooth and compact dough. Cover with cling film and let it rise for 2 hours, or until it is double in volume.

2. After elapsed, transfer the dough to the working surface and split it into three parts.

3. Cut the first part of the dough into small pieces and roll them out with hands to obtain long sticks.

4. Cover the pan with the kitchen foil and brush it with the oil. Start arranging the prepared dough sticks. Start to intertwine to obtain the net. Brush with egg and transfer to the oven. Bake at 190°C/374°F for 20 minutes (bottom part of the basket).

5. Split the other part of the dough into three parts and roll out each part with the hands to obtain three long sticks. Start to intertwine to obtain a braid.

6. Cover the bowl with the kitchen foil and transfer the prepared braid. Brush the braid with the egg and transfer to the oven. Bake at 190°C/374°F for 15 minutes. (basket handle)

7. Split the other part of the dough into three parts and roll out each part with the hands to obtain three long sticks. Start to intertwine to obtain a braid (if needed make one more to obtain a long ring).

8. Transfer the ring to the baking tray covered with parchment paper and brush with egg. Bake in oven at 190°C/374°F for 20 minutes. (bottom ring part of the basket).

9. Assemble the basket by putting the ring on the bottom part of the basket and add the handle on top.

10. Fill the basket with the sandwiches and breadsticks and enjoy.