Italian Bread with Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Fresh Basil

 Now this is a loaf of bread.

For the dough:

• 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup lukewarm milk
• 1/3 cup lukewarm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the filling:

• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped into small pieces
• 3-6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh green basil

1. To make the dough, combine all dough ingredients in a stand mixer bowl and mix on low speed until the dough forms into a ball and dough sticks a bit to the bottom of the bowl, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Transfer the dough in a bowl that is lightly greased with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm area to allow the dough to double in size, around 45-60 minutes.
3. When dough has risen, gently deflate it by putting your fist in the dough and push down on it. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 22" x 8.5" rectangle. At this point, evenly spread the cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and basil.
4. Starting with one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log then pinch the edges to seal. Place the log seam-side down on a parchment lined baking sheet.
5. Use your kitchen shears to cut the log lengthwise down the center about 1" deep, starting from ½ inch from one end to within ½' of the other end.
6. Form the dough into an "S" shape, keeping the cut side up. Tuck both ends under the center of "S" to form a "figure 8". Pinch the ends together to seal.
7. Cover the dough with a tea towel and let it rise again for the second time by putting it in a warm place until size doubles, about 45-60 minutes.
8. Around midway of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350 F .
9. Bake it for 35 - 40 minutes.
10. Remove the bread fro the oven and transfer in a rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 I used the leftover tomato oil and brushed it on the finished loaf.

 You can sprinkle it with some Italian seasoning too if you want to.

 The ends will hang over the cookie sheet before you twist it into a figure 8.

This smells so good!

I made these for my workers so I never tried them but the workers said they were wonderful.