LIFE AS WE KNOW IT...

Life as we know it can change at the drop of a hat.  It's just that simple.  Without a huge story this week I'm just lacking any motivation for myself or to pass along to others.  I keep trying to see the world and the challenges as opportunities to grow and learn, really I do, but sometimes, I feel more like I'm batting my head against a brick wall.  I AM trying to carve out that piece of wall to see the blue sky with fluffy white clouds.  You know the one where under that sky is the green green grass with families picnicking in the park, flying kites, playing ball...  It's just slow work without the right tools.

Trying to balance everything is stressful for everyone.  We all have different coping mechanisms.  My best one is cooking.  Baking in particular is a great stress reliever.  Kneading bread is one of the greatest stress relievers I know and the end product is this wonderful bread.

PARMESAN CHEESE BREAD

3 1/4 cups unbleached flour
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 1/3 cup warm water
1/2 cup freshly grated Asiago Parmesan Cheese
extra-extra virgin olive oil

• Sift together the four, yeast and salt.
• Stir in the water until dough forms.
• Sprinkle with 1/2 the cheese.
• Transfer to a well floured surface.
• Knead until soft, elastic and no longer sticky (about 10 minutes). Add flour as necessary to reduce stickiness.
• Knead the dough until it remains rounded and doesn't flatten out when left to sit for a few minutes.
• Arrange into a round.
• Brush the surface with olive oil.
• Cover loosely with a tea towel and let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 2 hours).
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Brush a 9 inch round pan with olive oil.
• Put remaining cheese on a plate.
• Punch down the dough and knead a few more times with fresh flour.
• For rolls - divide dough into12 pieces.
• Roll each piece into a ball.
• Roll each ball in the cheese and then place in pan with the edges touching. 9 balls around the outside, 3 balls in the center.
• Cover with a flour sack towel and allow to rise again.
• Cut a small slash in the top of each ball.
• Sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 10 minutes and the reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees and continue to bake until golden and crispy, about 20-30 minutes more.
• Serve hot or transfer to a wire rack and cool and then slice.

You can find me at my home blogs 3 Sides of Crazy. Always Eat On The Good China, on Saturdays at THE Motivation Station on Sundays here at OUR KrAzY kitchen.