Type what you have

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• all-purpose flour
• water

Instructions

1. 1 Gather all ingredients.
2. 2 Place flour into a large, non-metallic bowl. Sprinkle yeast over top, pour in warm water, and mix to combine.
3. 3 Place the bowl on a cookie sheet; cover loosely and set in a warm place to ferment for 4 to 8 days. Depending on temperature and humidity, times may vary. The starter is ready when bubbly and pleasantly sour smelling. If it's colored at all (pink, orange, etc.), throw it out and start over.
4. 4 Enjoy!

By Esther Nelson

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• all-purpose flour
• white sugar
• sugar
• all-purpose flour
• milk

Instructions

1. 1 Thoroughly dissolve yeast in warm water in a large glass or plastic container until foamy, about 5 minutes. Gradually stir 2 cups flour and 1/4 cup sugar into yeast mixture in the container until smooth, about 2 minutes. (Do not use aluminum utensils). Cover loosely and store in a warm place overnight.
2. 2 The next day, gently stir starter in the container until well combined, about 1 minute. Refrigerate.
3. 3 Stir once each day for the next four days. On the fifth day, stir, then divide in half. Give half away with feeding instructions.
4. 4 Feed starter with 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 cup flour, and 1 cup milk. Stir until smooth. Cover and place in refrigerator. Stir once each day for next four days.
5. 5 On the tenth day feed again with remaining 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 cup flour, and 1 cup milk. Return to refrigerator and stir once each day for the next four days.
6. 6 On the fifteenth day it is ready to be used for baking. Reserve one cup of the starter in the refrigerator and continue to follow the stir and feed cycle: stir once daily for four days, feed on the fifth day, and use on the tenth day.

By Sue

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• sprouted spelt flour
• water
• honey
• olive oil
• salt

Instructions

1. 1 Whisk 1 cup flour, water, honey, and yeast together in a bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and mixture is bubbly, about 20 minutes.
2. 2 Stir remaining 2 cups flour, olive oil, and salt into yeast mixture. Beat in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, adding more flour as necessary, until a soft and tacky dough forms, 3 to 4 minutes. Place dough into an oiled mixing bowl, cover the bowl with a plate, and let rise until doubled in volume, 90 minutes.
3. 3 Punch dough down and transfer to a lightly floured work surface. Divide into four equal balls. Cover each ball and let rest until dough rises slightly, 30 to 45 minutes.

By John Mitzewich

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• bread flour
• whole wheat flour
• salt

Instructions

1. 1 Dissolve ½ teaspoon active dry yeast in 1 cup warm water in a medium-sized nonmetal mixing bowl. Add 1 ½ cups bread flour; mix well. Cover bowl; let starter sit at room temperature, 8 hours to overnight.
2. 2 Dissolve remaining 2 teaspoons active dry yeast in remaining 2 cups warm water in a large bowl. Add starter mixture, 3 cups bread flour, whole wheat flour, and salt; stir until well combined. Add remaining 1 ½ cups bread flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until dough has pulled together. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
3. 3 Place dough into a large, lightly-oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
4. 4 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans.
5. 5 Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 2 equal pieces and form into loaves; place into the prepared pans. Cover loaves with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
6. 6 Bake in the preheated oven until tops are golden brown and bottom of loaves sound hollow when tapped, about 30 minutes.

By Stephen Carroll

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• all-purpose flour
• egg
• butter
• white sugar
• white sugar
• lemon
• vegetable oil

Instructions

1. 1 Mix together water and yeast in a small bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 15 minutes.
2. 2 Combine flour, eggs, butter, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Pour in yeast mixture. Knead by hand until dough comes together. Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
3. 3 Roll out dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured work surface. Cut out diamond-shaped doughnuts using a small pastry wheel cutter. Brush off excess flour.
4. 4 Heat oil in a deep saucepan or wok over medium-high heat. Cook doughnuts in batches in hot oil until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined platter.

By Maybe

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• sugar
• water
• all-purpose flour
• salt
• vegetable oil

Instructions

1. 1 Dissolve sugar in water in a 2-cup measuring cup; gently stir in yeast. Let stand until yeast softens and top is foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. 2 Whisk 3 3/4 cups flour and salt together in a large bowl; make a well in the center. Pour yeast mixture into well; stir gently, starting from the middle, until a sticky dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead, adding more flour if needed, until dough is elastic and no longer sticky, about 10 minutes.
3. 3 Oil a large bowl; add dough and turn to coat. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
4. 4 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) with one rack in center position and one rack in lowest position.
5. 5 Fill a roasting pan with water; place on lower rack. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
6. 6 Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Form into 1 large loaf (or 6 sandwich loaves), tapering the end(s). Place loaf (or loaves) on the prepared baking sheet. Cut 3 or 4 diagonal slashes, about 1/4- to 1/2-inch, across top(s). Cover with a dry towel and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
7. 7 Uncover loaf (or loaves); bake in the preheated oven on the center rack until top is light golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes depending on size of the loaves.

By NWMama

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• cornmeal
• all-purpose flour
• salt
• water
• egg white
• water

Instructions

1. 1 Gather all ingredients.
2. 2 Grease a large baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal. Set aside.
3. 3 Combine 2 cups flour, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir in 2 cups warm water; beat with the dough hook attachment until blended. Continue adding remaining flour, a little at a time, until incorporated.
4. 4 Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, and turn once.
5. 5 Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6. 6 Punch dough down and divide in half.
7. 7 Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
8. 8 Roll each half into a large rectangle. Roll up, starting from a long side. Moisten edge with water and seal. Taper ends.
9. 9 Place loaves, seam-side down, on the prepared baking sheet.
10. 10 Lightly beat egg white with 1 tablespoon water and brush over loaves.
11. 11 Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until nearly doubled, 35 to 40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
12. 12 Use a sharp knife to make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts, about 1/4-inch deep, across top of each loaf.
13. 13 Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
14. 14 Brush loaves with egg white mixture.
15. 15 Continue baking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190 degrees F (88 degrees C) or loaves sound hollow when tapped, 15 to 20 minutes more. If necessary, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
16. 16 Remove loaves from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.

By Jenn Hall

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• all-purpose flour
• salt
• water
• rosemary
• thyme
• sage

Instructions

1. 1 Combine the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl and mix to combine. Add water and herbs, if using, and mix well. The dough will be very sticky and shaggy-looking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 18 to 24 hours.
2. 2 Generously flour a work surface. The dough will have risen and will be covered in bubbles. Transfer the dough to the work surface and dust it with flour. Fold the dough in half, and then form the dough into a ball by stretching and tucking the edges of the dough underneath the ball.
3. 3 Liberally flour a kitchen towel (do not use terrycloth). Place the dough ball on the floured towel. Cover with another floured towel. Let the dough rise for about two hours [see footnote].
4. 4 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place a lidded Dutch oven or deep heavy duty casserole dish (with lid) into the oven to preheat.
5. 5 Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Remove the lid and gently turn the dough ball into the ungreased baking dish, seam-side up; shake the dish so the dough is more evenly distributed.
6. 6 Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake until the crust is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the loaf from the baking dish and let it cool on a rack before slicing.

By Jewissa

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• olive oil
• all-purpose flour
• spelt flour
• kosher salt
• water
• rosemary
• cornmeal
• sea salt

Instructions

1. 1 Gather all your ingredients.
2. 2 Grease a large bowl with olive oil.
3. 3 Combine all-purpose flour, spelt flour, yeast, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add water and knead until dough is smooth, elastic, wet, and sticky, about 5 minutes. Transfer dough to the prepared bowl. Cover and let rise on the counter for 30 minutes.
4. 4 Uncover the dough. Wet one hand and grab one side of the dough in the bowl. Pull it up slightly and fold it in towards the center. Repeat this folding technique 6 or 7 more times, turning the bowl slightly in between each fold. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
5. 5 Repeat Step 3 (above) two more times. Dough will have rested for a total of 2 hours.
6. 6 Bake the Fougasse
7. 7 Repeat folding technique once more. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
8. 8 When ready to bake, line a sheet pan with a silicone liner; sprinkle some flour on the liner.
9. 9 Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and pat or press it into an oval shape, flouring lightly as necessary. Cut the oval in half lengthwise into two equal portions.
10. 10 Shape fougasse: On one piece of dough, fold one end in over the center third, then fold the other end in over top. Dough should resemble a triangle. Transfer dough to the prepared pan. Repeat with the second piece of dough.
11. 11 Cover both triangles with an oiled piece of plastic wrap and let sit until dough warms up, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
12. 12 Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; generously sprinkle cornmeal on the parchment. Remove plastic from the dough.
13. 13 Transfer one piece of dough to a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle some flour over top and use a rolling pin and your hands to stretch the triangle until it's ½- to ¾-inch thick. Sprinkle rosemary over top and press it into the dough. Transfer dough to one of the parchment-lined baking sheets.
14. 14 Use a pizza wheel to cut through the dough in a vertical line up the center of the triangle; do not cut through the top and bottom edges. Pull dough apart to spread open the cut.
15. 15 Make two more cuts at the top, one on each side from the center going out toward the edge, making sure you don't cut through the edges. Pull dough gently to spread it out. Make four more cuts, two in the middle, and two at the bottom, and pull dough apart. Make two more small cuts at the bottom. You will have one long cut in the center and 4 going down each side, so the fougasse will resemble a leaf. Cover with oiled plastic wrap and let proof for 30 to 60 minutes.
16. 16 Repeat Steps 6 to 8 (above) to shape and proof the remaining dough.
17. 17 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Remove plastic wrap from one fougasse. Brush olive oil over the entire surface and sprinkle with sea salt.
18. 18 Bake in the center of the preheated oven until beautifully browned, about 20 minutes.
19. 19 Transfer to a rack to cool. Repeat Steps 11 and 12 (above) to bake remaining fougasse.
20. 20 Serve and enjoy.

By John Mitzewich

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• granulated white sugar
• bread flour
• kosher salt
• butter
• butter
• egg
• water

Instructions

1. 1 Place warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle with yeast. Let yeast dissolve for 10 minutes. Add sugar and bread flour. Sprinkle with salt; add 6 tablespoons butter. Attach the bowl to the stand mixer. Mix dough with the dough hook just until butter is completely kneaded in and the dough forms a ball and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl, 3 or 4 minutes.
2. 2 Transfer dough to a work surface and form into a semi-smooth ball. Place dough back in the mixer bowl; cover. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 2 hours.
3. 3 Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. Push and press dough to deflate it, and form it into a rectangle. Fold into thirds by lifting one end over the middle third, and folding the other side onto the middle. Wrap in plastic wrap. Place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a silicone mat. Refrigerate until chilled through, about 1 hour.
4. 4 Cut 2 sticks butter in half lengthwise and place slightly apart from each other on a length of parchment paper long enough to fold over the butter. Fold the parchment paper over the butter. Press butter down. Roll out with a rolling pin to a square about 8x8 inches. Refrigerate until a little chilled and just barely flexible, 10 or 15 minutes.
5. 5 Roll dough out into a rectangle slightly wider than the butter slab and just over twice as long. Place butter on one half of the dough leaving about a 1-inch margin from the edge of the dough. Fold the other half of the dough over the butter. Dust work surface and dough with flour as needed.
6. 6 Press rolling pin down on dough to create ridges. Then roll out the ridges. Repeat this process. Keep pressing and rolling until dough is about the same size rectangle as you had before you folded it in half, dusting with just a bit of flour as necessary.
7. 7 Starting from the short side, fold one-third of dough over middle third. Then fold the other end over to form a small rectangle. Flatten out just slightly with rolling pin. Transfer to the silicone-lined baking sheet; cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
8. 8 Transfer dough back to work surface and repeat pressing and rolling technique until dough is the size of the previous larger rectangle. Fold into thirds again, starting from the short side. Press and roll slightly. Transfer back to lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate about 15 minutes.
9. 9 Roll back out to a large rectangle. This time, fold dough in half. Then press and roll out into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle, using as little flour as needed to keep dough from sticking.
10. 10 Cut dough in half lengthwise using a pastry wheel or pizza cutter. Dust one piece with flour and roll out to a rectangle about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. Starting from one corner, cut the dough diagonally crosswise into 8 triangles using a pastry wheel. Starting with the bottom end of each triangle, roll each up toward the tip to form the croissant with the seam at the bottom. If necessary, use a bit of water to seal the tip to the rolled croissant.
11. 11 Repeat with the other half of the dough.
12. 12 Place shaped croissants on baking sheets lined with silicone mats. Whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water to make the egg wash. Brush croissants with egg wash. Place in a warm area to allow them to rise, about 45 to 60 minutes.
13. 13 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Brush croissants gently but thoroughly again with egg wash.
14. 14 Bake in the preheated oven until beautifully browned, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack. Cool to room temperature before serving.

By John Mitzewich

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• all-purpose flour
• sugar
• salt
• egg
• butter
• vegetable oil
• egg yolk
• water

Instructions

1. 1 Gather all ingredients.
2. 2 Dissolve yeast in warm water in a small bowl. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
3. 3 Stir together flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center, then add eggs and yeast mixture; beat well until dough comes together. (Tip: Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of additional warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, only if needed to help the dough come together.)
4. 4 Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 8 minutes.
5. 5 Flatten dough and spread it with 1/3 of the butter.
6. 6 Knead butter into dough.
7. 7 Repeat this step twice to incorporate remaining butter, allowing dough to rest for a few minutes between additions of butter, about 20 minutes total.
8. 8 Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil, place dough in the bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
9. 9 Punch down dough, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 6 hours to overnight.
10. 10 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease two 8x4-inch loaf pans.
11. 11 Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 2 equal pieces, form into loaves, and place into the prepared loaf pans.
12. 12 Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
13. 13 Make egg wash: Beat egg yolk and cold water in a small bowl. Brush on the tops of loaves.
14. 14 Bake loaves in the preheated oven until the tops are deep golden brown, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

By Michelle Chen

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• all-purpose flour
• basil
• savory
• thyme
• rosemary
• sea salt
• olive oil
• cornmeal

Instructions

1. 1 Pour water into a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast into water; let stand undisturbed until dissolved.
2. 2 Mix together basil, savory, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl.
3. 3 Stir 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon herb mixture, sea salt, and 2 tablespoons oil into yeast mixture until well blended. Mix in remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until a thick and somewhat sticky dough forms.
4. 4 Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball and place into an oiled bowl. Flip dough to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel; let dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. 5 Punch dough down and divide in half. Shape each piece into an irregular oval, about 1 1/2-inches thick. Sprinkle cornmeal over 2 baking sheets; transfer dough to the prepared baking sheets.
6. 6 Brush each loaf with remaining olive oil; sprinkle remaining herbs on top. Make several slashes in bread, cutting through dough with a knife. Cover loaves with clean dish towels. Let rise again until dough begins to rise, about 20 minutes.
7. 7 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C).
8. 8 Place the baking sheet with loaves in the preheated oven. Quickly splash a small amount of water onto the oven floor to create steam, then close the oven door. Bake loaves until golden, about 20 minutes.

By Connie

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• evaporated milk
• salt
• white sugar
• egg
• all-purpose flour
• butter
• butter
• egg

Instructions

1. 1 In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. Stir in milk, salt, sugar, 1 egg, 1 cup flour and melted butter. Beat to make a smooth batter; set aside.
2. 2 In a large bowl, cut the one cup firm butter into remaining four cups flour until butter particles are the size of dried kidney beans. Pour the yeast batter over this and carefully turn the mixture over with a spatula to blend, just until all flour is moistened. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 4 hours or up to four days.
3. 3 Turn dough out onto a floured surface; press into compact balls and knead about 6 turns to release air bubbles. Divide dough into four equal parts. Shape one at a time. Refrigerate the remaining dough.
4. 4 Roll one part of the dough on a floured board into a circle 17 inches in diameter. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the circle into eight equal pie-shaped wedges. Roll the wedges loosely toward the point. Shape each roll into a crescent and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Allow 1 1/2 inches space between each roll.
5. 5 Cover and let rise at room temperature until almost doubled in size. Approximately 2 hours. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
6. 6 Brush croissants with beaten egg. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, until golden.

By MARCIAMOLINA

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• sugar
• bread flour
• butter
• salt
• butter
• white sugar
• salt

Instructions

1. 1 Make dough: Combine water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let rest until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. 2 Add 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and salt to yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a very wet sticky dough forms.
3. 3 Dust work surface with remaining 1/2 cup flour. Turn dough out onto the floured surface. Knead, folding in excess flour as needed, until dough is soft, slightly sticky, and elastic. Place into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.
4. 4 Make seasoned sugar: Mix together sugar and most of the sea salt in a bowl. Taste and add remaining salt if desired.
5. 5 Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter. Spoon some of the seasoned sugar into each cup and shake to coat. Turn tin over and return excess sugar to the bowl. Set the muffin tin aside until needed.
6. 6 Transfer dough onto a floured surface and press into a rough rectangle. Roll dough into a rectangle about 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Grate 1 stick ice-cold butter over dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Flatten butter using lightly floured hands. Fold rectangle widthwise into thirds. Press gently to square out the edges, then place onto a silicone-lined baking sheet. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. 7 Roll dough into a large rectangle again, pulling and stretching the corners as needed. Grate remaining stick ice-cold butter over the surface. Pat down with floured fingers and fold into thirds. Roll back out into a rectangle and fold into thirds. Repeat rolling and folding one more time. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
8. 8 Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
9. 9 Sprinkle a generous amount of seasoned sugar onto your work surface. Place dough onto sugar and sprinkle more sugar on top. Roll into a large rectangle about 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick, turning and topping with sugar between rolls.
10. 10 Use a pizza cutter to trim away uneven edges. Cut dough into 12 equal squares. Sprinkle more sugar on top. Lightly pinch each pastry into a crown shape by bringing all four corners to the center; place into the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle more sugar on top. Let rest for 10 minutes.
11. 11 Bake in the preheated oven until browned and puffed, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer pastries to a cooling rack while still hot. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

By John Mitzewich

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• white sugar
• bread flour
• salt
• butter
• butter
• bittersweet chocolate
• egg
• water
• sea salt

Instructions

1. 1 Place warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle with yeast. Let yeast dissolve for 10 minutes. Add sugar and bread flour. Sprinkle with salt; add 3 tablespoons butter. Attach the bowl to the stand mixer. Mix dough with the dough hook just until butter is completely kneaded in and the dough forms a ball and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl, 3 or 4 minutes.
2. 2 Transfer dough to a work surface and form into a semi-smooth ball. Place dough back in the mixer bowl; cover. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 2 hours.
3. 3 Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. Push and press dough to deflate it, and form it into a rectangle. Fold into thirds by lifting one end over the middle third, and folding the other side onto the middle. Wrap in plastic wrap. Place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a silicone mat. Refrigerate until chilled through, about 1 hour.
4. 4 Cut 1 stick of butter in 1/2 lengthwise and place halves slightly apart from each other on a length of parchment paper long enough to fold over the butter. Fold the parchment paper over the butter. Press butter down. Roll out with a rolling pin to a square about 8x8 inches. Refrigerate until a little chilled and just barely flexible, 10 or 15 minutes.
5. 5 Roll dough out into a rectangle slightly wider than the butter slab and just over twice as long. Place butter on one half of the dough leaving about 1 inch margin from the edge of the dough. Fold the other half of the dough over the butter. Dust work surface and dough with flour as needed.
6. 6 Press rolling pin down on dough to create ridges. Then roll out the ridges. Repeat this process. Keep pressing and rolling until dough is about the same size rectangle as you had before you folded it in half, dusting with just a bit of flour as necessary.
7. 7 Starting from the short side, fold one-third of dough over middle third. Then fold the other end over to form a small rectangle. Flatten out just slightly with rolling pin. Transfer to the silicone-lined baking sheet; cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
8. 8 Transfer dough back to work surface and repeat pressing and rolling technique until dough is the size of the previous larger rectangle. Fold into thirds again, starting from the short side. Press and roll slightly. Transfer back to lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate about 15 minutes.
9. 9 Roll back out to a large rectangle. This time, fold dough in half. Then press and roll out into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle, using as little flour as needed to keep dough from sticking.
10. 10 Dust dough with flour and roll out to a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut dough lengthwise into 6 pieces using a pastry wheel.
11. 11 Pull and stretch out 1 of the dough pieces until ends are slightly tapered. Line 1 to 2 tablespoon of chocolate 1 inch parallel to the bottom edge and an equal amount of chocolate 1 more inch ahead. Roll dough up over the chocolate toward the top short edge to form a croissant with the seam at the bottom. Repeat with the remaining 5 dough pieces.
12. 12 Place shaped croissants on baking sheets lined with silicone mats. Whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water to make the egg wash. Brush croissants with a large portion of the egg wash. Place in a warm area to allow them to rise, 60 to 90 minutes.
13. 13 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Brush croissants gently but thoroughly again with egg wash. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
14. 14 Bake in preheated oven until beautifully browned, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack. Cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.

By John Mitzewich

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• sourdough starter
• water
• olive oil
• salt
• sugar
• all-purpose flour
• cornmeal
• water
• egg yolk
• milk

Instructions

1. 1 Place the sourdough starter, water, olive oil, salt, sugar, yeast, and flour in that order into the pan of a bread machine, set the machine on the dough cycle, and start the machine.
2. 2 After the machine has finished its cycle, turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead several times; mix in more flour if the dough is very sticky. Cut the dough in half, and roll each piece of dough out into a rectangle about 8 by 12 inches and 1/2-inch thick. Roll the rectangles into loaves the long way, pinch the seams, and taper and pinch the ends of the loaves.
3. 3 Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, and sprinkle paper with cornmeal. Place the loaves gently onto the prepared baking sheets, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
4. 4 Place a large baking stone onto the center rack of oven, and place a baking dish onto a lower rack. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Carefully pour boiling water into the baking dish.
5. 5 Remove plastic wrap from loaves, and slash several 1/2-inch deep cuts into each loaf with a sharp knife. Whisk egg yolk and milk together in a small bowl until thoroughly mixed, and brush the loaves with the egg yolk mixture.
6. 6 Place the loaves into the preheated oven on top of the baking stone, and quickly spray the inside of the oven 4 or 5 times with a water-filled spray bottle. Shut oven door; wait 1 minute, and spray again; repeat twice more, spraying the oven 4 times with water at 1-minute intervals.
7. 7 Bake about 15 minutes, and remove the water-filled baking dish. Continue to bake until the bread is browned and the loaves make a hollow sound when thumped, about 15 more minutes. Remove bread to cool on racks.

By Sam Nemati

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• white sugar
• water
• pumpkin puree
• all-purpose flour
• brown sugar
• salt
• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• allspice
• egg
• butter
• egg yolk
• milk

Instructions

1. 1 Sprinkle the yeast and sugar over 3 tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl. The water should be no more than 100 degrees F (40 degrees C). Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam. Combine the pumpkin, 1 cup of flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a large bowl.
2. 2 Mix yeast mixture into the pumpkin mixture; stir until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in 2 cups of flour, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the butter a few pieces at a time, beating until incorporated. Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup of flour, mixing until creamy. Lightly oil a large bowl, then place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C)) until doubled in volume, about 3 hours. Gently deflate the dough, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.
3. 3 Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a knife to divide the dough into eight equal pieces-don't tear it. Shape into dough rounds and let rest for 10 minutes. Form the dough into balls, and place each ball into the prepared pan, making two rows of four balls. Whisk the egg yolk and milk together in a small bowl. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash, then cover the loaf with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
4. 4 Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
5. 5 Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until the top is golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

By apurpleocean

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• all-purpose flour
• butter
• all-purpose flour
• salt
• sugar
• water
• milk
• heavy cream
• egg
• water

Instructions

1. 1 Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the butter and mix it together with your hands in a mixing bowl or on a work surface. Transfer the butter to a length of foil or parchment paper and pat it into a 6 inch square. Fold up the foil to make a packet and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
2. 2 Combine 2 cups of the flour with the salt and sugar in a mixing bowl. Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water (100 degrees F/38 degrees C) and set aside until frothy, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the milk and the heavy cream to lukewarm. Add the yeast, milk, and cream to the flour mixture and stir well. The dough will have a batter-like consistency.
3. 3 Stir in the remaining 2 cups of flour 1/4 cup at a time to form a soft dough. It should no longer be sticky. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Place the dough in a mixing bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. 4 To begin the rolling and folding process, both the butter and the dough should be at a cool room temperature. [See Cook's Note.] Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it into a 10-inch square. Set the block of butter diagonally on the square dough. Bring each point of dough to the center of the butter square; the edges of the dough should overlap. Pinch the edges together to seal.
5. 5 Starting from the center of the square and working outward, use a rolling pin to roll the dough out into a rectangle. The butter should be pliable enough to roll smoothly with the dough; if it's too soft and starts to ooze out the corners, wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate before proceeding. Roll the dough into a long rectangle, approximately 8 by 18 inches. Fold the length of dough into thirds, like a business letter.
6. 6 If the dough is still cool, you can continue with another fold. Otherwise, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it warm up for about 10 minutes before you begin rolling it out again.
7. 7 Position the dough so that the open ends are at 12 and 6 o'clock. Roll the dough into a rectangle, working from the center of the dough and pressing outwards. Reposition the dough as necessary to fit your work space. You should have a long rectangle for the "book fold." Fold both ends of the dough into the middle; the ends don't have to be touching, but should be close. Fold the already-folded dough in half; it will look like a thick book. Wrap the dough well with plastic and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
8. 8 Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Roll the dough into a rectangle again and fold it into thirds, like a business letter. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
9. 9 To shape the croissants, roll the dough into a 10- by 38-inch rectangle on a lightly floured work surface. It should be about 1/4 inch thick. Use a pizza wheel or sharp paring knife to trim the edges of the dough. Divide the rectangle in half so that you have two 5-inch wide strips of dough. Use a clean yardstick to mark each strip into triangles that are 5 inches wide at their bases. Cut the triangles and place them onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill for 15 to 20 minutes, if necessary.
10. 10 Starting at the base of the triangle, roll the dough up into a log; the tip of the triangle should be under the body of the croissant to prevent it from unraveling. Bend in the corners to form the traditional crescent shape. Repeat with the remaining dough.
11. 11 Arrange the croissants on the parchment-lined baking sheets and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
12. 12 Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Beat the egg with the tablespoon of water to make the egg wash. Brush the croissants with egg wash and bake in the preheated oven until deep brown, 22 to 25 minutes. Cool on a rack before serving.

By moeagaru

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• milk
• vegetable oil
• salt
• orange extract
• egg
• white sugar
• orange zest
• all-purpose flour
• egg
• water
• anise extract
• food coloring
• anisette liqueur

Instructions

1. 1 Combine milk, oil, salt, orange extract, 2 room temperature eggs, sugar, orange zest, 4 cups flour, and yeast in a bread machine, in that order. Set to Dough cycle and start the machine; be sure to peek inside while dough is mixing and add additional flour as needed to create a soft, but not wet, dough.
2. 2 Transfer dough to an oiled bowl and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. 3 Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a rapid simmer, add 4 whole eggs, and simmer for 6 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool quickly.
4. 4 Punch risen dough down and turn onto a floured surface. Divide into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece to form a 12-inch-long rope, about 1 1/2 inches thick. Braid pieces together, pinching the ends. Loop into a circle, pinch the ends to close, and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Remove eggs from the bowl of ice water, dry, and arrange evenly atop the braid. Push in gently, about 1/3 of the way down. Cover and let rise again, about 1 hour.
5. 5 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
6. 6 Whisk together remaining room temperature egg, 2 tablespoons water, and anise extract in a small bowl until well combined. Brush braid with egg wash, avoiding boiled eggs; otherwise, while baking, they will have cooked wash on them and won't dye nicely.
7. 7 Bake in the preheated oven, switching between another parchment-lined baking sheet every 10 minutes throughout baking time to prevent the bottom from getting too dark, until browned, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool thoroughly, 20 to 30 minutes.
8. 8 Paint eggs on bread with liquid food dye. Be careful not to drip dye onto bread. Let dry for about 10 minutes. Brush bread with anisette liqueur and let dry before serving, about 5 minutes more.

By Sandi

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• bread flour
• salt

Instructions

1. 1 In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. 2 In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the 3 cups flour and the salt. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 10 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 2 hours. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
3. 3 Divide the dough into sixteen equal pieces and form into rounds. Roll rounds into square loaves 1/4 inch thick. Place the on ungreased baking sheets. Bake in preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes, until loaves puff in the middle. Let cool on a wire rack.

By CHRISW

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• bread flour
• water

Instructions

1. 1 Place the warm water in a small bowl, and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let stand until yeast has dissolved and is foamy, about 15 minutes.
2. 2 Measure flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the center, and pour in the yeast mixture and cold water. Use a sturdy spoon to mix it together until sticky and difficult to stir, but nevertheless thoroughly combined. Cover and allow to ferment for 24 hours in the refrigerator before using.
3. 3 Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To use, rinse a measuring cup in cool water, scoop out the amount of starter needed, and bring to room temperature.

By THYCOOK

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• all-purpose flour
• water

Instructions

1. 1 Mix together flour, warm water, and yeast in a large glass bowl. Let stand uncovered in a warm place over night or up to 48 hours. The longer the mixture stands, the stronger the ferment will be.
2. 2 After fermenting, the starter is ready to use or to store covered in the refrigerator. Feed once or twice a week with 1 cup milk, 1 cup flour, and 1/4 cup sugar; allow the starter to rest at room temperature for several hours after feeding.

By Glenda

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• milk
• water
• sugar
• all-purpose flour
• salt

Instructions

1. 1 Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam. Stir the warm water and sugar into the yeast mixture.
2. 2 Stir the flour and salt together in a separate bowl; add all but about 1/2 cup of the flour mixture to the yeast mixture; mix with your hands until a soft dough forms, adding the last of the flour mixture a little at a time until it clears the sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl with a light cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C)) until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
3. 3 Deflate, or 'punch down,' the dough and turn out onto a work surface lightly dusted with flour; knead for about 5 minutes. Return the dough to the bowl, cover again with a light cloth, and allow the dough to again rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes more.
4. 4 Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
5. 5 Deflate the dough and turn turn out onto a work surface lightly dusted with flour; knead lightly. Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet; shape into an oval about 1/2-inch thick. Set aside to rise a third time for about 30 minutes.
6. 6 Bake in the preheated oven until nicely browned and hollow sounding when thumped, 20 to 25 minutes.

By BigShotsMom

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• white sugar
• salt
• vegetable oil
• all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. 1 In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. Lightly grease two baking sheets.
2. 2 In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the sugar, salt, oil and 1 cup of flour; stir well to combine. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 8 minutes.
3. 3 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 1 hour.
4. 4 Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces and form into rounds. Place the rounds on prepared baking sheets. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
5. 5 Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Place on a wire rack to cool.

By Sandy

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• bread flour
• salt
• za'atar
• olive oil

Instructions

1. 1 Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Mix in 3 cups flour and salt. Stir in remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. 2 Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead until smooth, about 10 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl; turn to coat with oil. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. 3 Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
4. 4 Divide dough into 16 equal pieces and form into rounds. Roll into 1/4-inch-thick circles. Poke rounds with your fingers to create small indentations.
5. 5 Mix za'atar and olive oil together in a small bowl. Spread over circles. Place on ungreased baking sheets.
6. 6 Bake in the preheated oven until dough is golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes.

By Lady at the Stove

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• bread flour
• white sugar
• margarine
• water
• egg white

Instructions

1. 1 Add ingredients according to the manufacturer's directions.
2. 2 Be sure to use "crisp" bread setting and add the egg whites after the rest of the ingredients are moist.

By Rebecca Radnor

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• salt
• bread flour

Instructions

1. 1 Place yeast and warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer; whisk to mix. Add flour and salt.
2. 2 Knead with dough hook until mixture forms a soft, sticky dough ball and easily pulls away from the sides and the hook, about 5 minutes. (If still too sticky, add a bit more flour and knead a few more seconds.) Transfer dough to a work surface and form into a smooth ball. Place dough back in the mixing bowl. Drizzle the dough and sides of bowl a few drops of vegetable oil. Spread a film of oil over the surface of the dough.
3. 3 Cover the bowl and transfer to a warm, draft-free place until dough is doubled in size, 60 to 90 minutes.
4. 4 Transfer dough to a floured work surface. Form into a rectangle shape and cut into 6 equal pieces. Using your cupped hand and the work surface, roll each section of dough into a smooth round ball. Cover with a clean, dry cloth and let rest 15 minutes.
5. 5 Flatten dough balls into 6- or 7-inch long ovals. Starting with a long edge, roll the dough into a cylinder, applying extra pressure to the ends to form pointy tips for a classic French roll shape. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets (do not crowd them) and cover with clean dry towels until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. 6 Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place a pan of water on the bottom rack.
7. 7 With a very sharp knife, score each roll about 1/4 inch deep along one side somewhere between the side and the top. Spritz loaves lightly with water from a spray bottle.
8. 8 Bake in preheated oven about 20 minutes. Spritz loaves again and rotate pans for a more even bake. Bake until loaves are golden brown, about 10 more minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack; cool completely before cutting.

By John Mitzewich

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• instant mashed potato flakes
• sugar
• water

Instructions

1. 1 Combine instant potatoes, sugar, water, and yeast in a covered container. Let the starter sit on a counter for 5 days, stirring daily with a wooden spoon.
2. 2 On the morning of the fifth day, feed the starter with 3 tablespoons instant potatoes, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1 cup warm water. In the evening, take out 1 cup of the starter to use in a sourdough recipe. Refrigerate the remaining starter.
3. 3 Every five days, feed the starter 3 tablespoons instant potatoes, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 cup water. If starter is to be used in a recipe, let the fed starter rest at room temperature 6 hours before use. If starter is not being used in a recipe, keep refrigerated and discard 1 cup of starter after each feeding.

By Becky Richardson

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• agave nectar
• whole wheat flour
• salt

Instructions

1. 1 Pour water into a microwave-safe measuring cup and heat in the microwave oven for about 1 minute. Check temperature using a food thermometer to be sure water is no hotter than 100 degrees F (38 degrees C). Add yeast and agave; let sit until foamy, about 15 minutes.
2. 2 Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture; stir to combine and knead a few times. Cover bowl and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, overnight to 18 hours.
3. 3 Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead 5 to 10 times using floured hands. Shape dough into a ball and let rise while oven is preheating.
4. 4 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) and place a Dutch oven inside to warm for 30 minutes.
5. 5 Use floured hands to carefully drop dough into the hot Dutch oven. Use potholders to place the lid on the Dutch oven.
6. 6 Bake in the hot oven for 30 minutes. Uncover Dutch oven and bake until bread is deep golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more. Remove and let cool.

By My Healthy Kitchen

Ingredients

• ✓ active dry yeast
• water
• shortening
• white sugar
• salt
• all-purpose flour
• butter

Instructions

1. 1 In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. 2 Stir in shortening, sugar, salt and 2 cups flour; beat well. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape sides of bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. 3 Grease 12 muffin cups. Spoon in batter until cups are half full. Let rise in warm place until batter reaches top of the cup, about 20 to 30 minutes.
4. 4 Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
5. 5 Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from pans and brush tops with melted butter.

By Cindy Carnes