Bacon Bread

1 lb bacon, chopped into smallish pcs and fried (drain and cool)

4 c flour

2 tspn salt

2 tspn sugar

1 tspn black pepper

4 tspn yeast

1 1/2 c warm water (about 110*)

3+ TBLSP olive oil  (3 to start with and add more until dough comes together and is elastic/sticky)

 

Slice bacon and cook, drain and cool.  Combine flour, salt, sugar and pepper in mixing bowl. (I use the stand mixer) Stir yeast into water and then combine 3 TBLSP oil into the water/yeast mix.  Add this to the flour, mix until still partially dry and then add in bacon, mix adding in oil until dough is together and elastic. 
Allow dough to rise for 2 hours, covered or until doubled in size.

When it comes time to shape dough, shape as desired.  (I like making it into mini-loaves, although you can make it into boules and batards.)  After shaping, allow dough to rest for 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375*.  Bake bread for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

 

Maple Butter
1 stick of butter, softened

1/4 c maple syrup

Whisk syrup into butter

 

Delicious on the bacon bread