Italian Bread Bowls

Fun bread bowls for serving your favorite soup, stew or chili in.  They are sturdy enough so none of the liquid will seep out.

 

Italian Bread Bowls

1 ¼ cups warm water

1 pkg active dry yeast

1 tsp honey

3 cups bread flour

1 ½ tsp salt

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

 

1 egg white

1 tbsp water

 

In a large measuring cup, mix together warm water, honey and yeast and allow to sit for 10 minutes.  In your large stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour and salt.  When the yeast mixture is ready, start the mixer with a dough hook on low and add in the liquid.  Slowly pour in the olive oil until the dough comes together.  Remove the dough from the bowl and pour in another tbsp. of olive oil.  Return the dough and turn so all sides are covered by the oil.  Cover the bowl and allow to sit in a warm place for an hour.  After an hour, remove the dough and cut into 3 equal pieces.  Shape into a ball and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Allow to rise again for an hour.  In a small bowl, mix together the egg white and water.  Cut two ¼” slices in the top of each dough ball and the brush the egg white mixture all over each bowl.  Bake for 15 minutes at 400.  Remove from oven and do another egg white wash on each bowl.  Return to the over for another 10 minutes.  Remove and allow to cool completely.  Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the center out of the bread bowl.  Fill with your favorite soup, stew or chili.