Kittencals Italian Style Bread Recipes

KITTENCAL'S SEASONED DRY ITALIAN BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Slice the loaves of bread into quarters and leave out on the counter for 1-2 days (or you may also oven-dry the bread slices).
• Cut or break the bread in small cubes and place in a processor (you might have to do this in two batches) process until fine.
• Place the breadcrumbs into a bowl and add in all the remaining ingredients; mix gently.
• Pour the crumbs into a ziploc freezer bag and store in the freezer to use as needed.

KITTENCAL'S LIGHT WHOLE WHEAT BREAD

Steps:

• Grease two dark metal 8 x 4-inch loaf/bread pans.
• Fit a heavy-duty stand mixer with kneader blade.
• Place both flours into the stainless steel mixing bowl set aside.
• Place 1/2 cup milk, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons salt and 2-1/2 tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan; heat on top of the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly with a spoon until the sugar and salt is dissolved and the butter has melted (do not boil the milk and the butter does not have to be completely melted) remove and let cool until lukewarm (I place the saucepan in the fridge to speed up the cooling process).
• When the milk has cooled to luke-warm pour into the mixing bowl with the flour; cover with a towel to keep the milk warm.
• In a small cup or bowl mix the 2 teaspoons sugar with the warm water until dissolved.
• Add in 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast and stir briefly.
• Cover with a tea towel and proof the yeast for 8-10 minutes or until foamy.
• After the yeast if proofed add into the bowl with the flour and the milk mixture. Start kneading adding in more flour a tablespoon at a time as needed to create a soft smooth semi-sticky dough.
• Remove the dough to a lightly-floured surface and let rest covered with a clean tea towel for 5 minutes.
• Gather up the dough and knead gently for about 15 seconds (the dough will come together nicely).
• Generously oil a large glass or stainless steel bowl.
• Place the dough in the bowl; turn to coat the dough with oil.
• Cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled (it might take more or less time depending on the temperature of your kitchen).
• Punch down the dough then slice into two equal pieces.
• Place the dough onto a very lightly floured surface cover one pie with a clean tea towel.
• Using your hands flatten/pat out one piece the dough to about 12x8-inches (does not have to be the exact size).
• Roll up tightly then tuck the sides under to fit a 8x4-inch greased loaf pan.
• Repeat with the remaining dough.
• Cover with a clean tea towel in a warm place for about 30-35 minutes (depending on the temperature of your kitchen).
• Set oven to 375°F.
• Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden dark brown.

KITTENCAL'S OLD FASHIONED WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• Fit a heavy-duty stand mixer with kneader blade.
• In a small saucepan scald 1/2 cup milk with 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons salt until very warm stirring with a spoon until no sugar or salt granules remain; set aside until luke-warm (for faster cooling place in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes on your top fridge shelf).
• Place 4 cups white flour and 3 tablespoons shortening (or lard) in the stainless steel mixing bowl along with the warm milk mixture; cover bowl with a towel to keep the milk warm.
• In a cup mix together 1-1/4 cups warm water with 2 teaspoons sugar, mix with a spoon until the sugar is dissolved; add in 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast, stir with a spoon for about 15 seconds.
• Place a towel over the cup and proof for about 8-10 minutes or until foamy.
• Place the water/yeast mixture in the bowl.
• Start mixing/kneading add in more flour as needed to create a soft smooth dough (about 8 minutes).
• Remove the dough to a very lightly floured surface; cover with a clean tea towel and let rest for about 5-8 minutes.
• Gather up the dough and shape into a ball, then place in a large well greased bowl.
• Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour (I use my oven!).
• Punch down the dough and place on a surface.
• Using hands (not a rolling pin) flatten to a 10 x 14-inch rectangle (trust me this dough will shape beautifully, no need for a rolling pin!).
• Roll the dough up tightly then seal the long seam.
• Using a knife slice off the dough ends just enough to fit into your 8x4-inch pan, then pinch the dough ends together to seal (you can shape the two ends in a ball and freeze to make buns or discard the dough).
• Place in a dark metal 8 x 4-inch bread pan.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes or until doubled.
• Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

ITALIAN BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, tossing to blend thoroughly.
• Store in an airtight container and use in any recipe calling for Italian breadcrumbs.

KITTENCAL'S ITALIAN MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
• Shape into small meatballs (at this point you can place on a jelly-roll/baking sheet and freeze to use later, or cover with plastic wrap refrigerate up to 24 hours before using).
• Drop the meatballs into simmering pasta sauce, do not stir for at least 20 minutes or you will risk breaking the meatballs.
• Continue cooking in the simmering sauce for another 20 minutes (depending on how fast your sauce is simmering 40 minutes total should fully cook the meatballs).
• After the 40 minutes cooking time continue cooking your sauce with the meatballs in for as long as desired.
• **note** you may also bake the meatballs at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until cooked through.