Small Loaf Cheese French Bread

 I like to make this when it's just my husband and I or I'm making a meal for a very small family.  You can leave the cheese out if you want.  It is still good.

SMALL LOAF CHEESE FRENCH BREAD

(1 small loaf)

Ingredients:

*1/4 cup warm water (105-110 degrees)

*1 teaspoon dry active yeast

*1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

*2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 cup warm water

*3 slices mozzarella cheese

*Olive oil 

*sea salt (optional)

*sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon dry active yeast and 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar.

~Allow to sit until yeast has proofed (bubbly/foamy) about 5-10 minutes.

~In a large mixing bowl,  add in 2 1/2 cups 1/2 teaspoon flour, salt, and yeast mixture.

~Stir for about 30 seconds.

~Add in remaining 1/2 cup water and  using the dough hook (or do this by hand) mix until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

~Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead dough for a minute or two (dough should be smooth and soft).

~Form dough into a ball.

~Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil ( or vegetable oil or butter).

~Place dough into bowl, making sure all sides are lightly coated with olive oil.

~Cover with a damp clean towel and allow dough to rise in a warm draft free area for about 30 minutes or until it's doubled in size.

~Place dough onto a lightly floured surface.

~Roll out dough into about into a rectangle (about 8x6 inches).

~Place the 3 slices mozzarella cheese on the dough, leaving at least a 1/2 space around the edges of the bread.

~Roll dough into a log lengthwise.

~Tuck in the ends.

~Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (or spay the pan with cooking spray).

~Place a clean damp cloth over it and allow to rise for 25-30 minutes.

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Using a sharp knife or razor blade, cut 3 to 4 diagonal shallow slits in bread (about 1/4 inch).

~Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over top of bread and using a pastry brush gently spread it over the top.

~Sprinkle a little sea salt and sesame seeds over the top (optional).

~Bake 18-22 minutes, or until bread is done and a light golden brown.

~Cool before cutting.