Leaf Bread

Ingredients

• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Warm water - 1 cup
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Active dry yeast - 2 1/4 teaspoons
• All - purpose flour - 3 cups

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.
8. Shape each portion into a leaf shape by rolling it out into an oval and making cuts along the edges to resemble leaf veins.
9. Place the shaped bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.