Surprise him with delicious olive oil bread

Photo: Courtesy

Yields: 1 loaf

Prep Time: 1hr 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ready In: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

7g instant yeast (powder form)

500g all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

100ml hot water

300ml cold water

Directions:

Pour the flour into a mixing bowl, stir in the instant yeast then add the salt and sugar.

In a jug pour in the hot water then top up with the cold. Test the water temperature with your finger, it should be hand hot, then add the olive oil.

Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid all at once. Mix quickly using your hands or a wooden fork to make soft and slightly sticky dough. Wipe the dough around the bowl to pick up any loose flour.

Sprinkle the work surface with flour and tip out the dough. Knead by stretching it away from you, then folding it in half towards you and pushing it away with the heel of your hand. Give it a quarter turn and repeat, developing a rhythm.

When the dough is smooth, put it back into the mixing bowl, cover with a tea towel/dish cloth and leave to rest for one hour (no need to find a warm place). The dough is ready when it springs back when you press it with your finger.

Heat oven to 2,400C/2,200C.

Tip dough onto a floured surface, knead to remove air bubbles. Shape into a round, place on an oiled baking sheet and slash top with sharp knife. Cover and rise for 30 minutes. Bake for 30-35 minutes until browned and crisp.