Cardamom Pepper Bread

this is a little time consuming, but worth the wait and a perfect addition to slow cooker recipes. goes great with soup, chili, pasta, or sweeten it more for a breakfast bread! makes two mini loaves.

2 c white flour
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp yeast
1 T olive oil
7 oz hot water
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 T white sugar

mix dry ingredients. add in liquids.

stir until everything's well acquainted. it will have a slight stick to it. I prefer adding about a tablespoon more flour at this point, just to keep the dough coated and not so sticky while it rises.

this is the long part. bust open a book or something, you're looking at 1 1/2 hrs rise time. cover the dough with a towel and let it be.

punch it down and work out the air pockets. turn your oven up to 350 and divide the dough in two. they make excellent demi baguettes! let them rise 20min more under the towel.

lightly oil the cooking surface. I use a pizza stone because I like to let the bread its freedom to evolve in the directions it chooses. mini loaf pans work fine, too. I like to pull the dough just a bit and twist it. at this point is the perfect opportunity to sprinkle some extra pepper on top, grated cheese, or drizzle honey or butter along its length.

throw the loaves in the oven for 30min.

pull them out once they start to lightly brown. allow to cool on a rack before you slice & serve. this bread has a hearty crust and a surprisingly soft center. enjoy :)