Spinach Stuffed Bread

Hi Folks!!! Life has been a roller coaster ride in the past couple of months!!!! The wonderful store where I have been working (O'Live A Little) is closing at the end of January!! It has been quite busy so I haven't had the time to post any new recipes.

I have been wanting to share this Spinach Stuffed Bread with you since the very beginning of my blog.

This one is dedicated to the Italian side of my family.

Every July we all get together at the family cottage at the beach. The first time I made it I made only one. The second it was put out it disappeared!!! From that moment on, I always make and bring two!!! I know that when I show up, I better have two loaves in hand or they might not let me in!!!

The recipe for the bread dough I got from Fleischmann’s in a magazine ad years ago. The stuffing is my own creation based on the Italian Spinach Bread. I hope you enjoy it Let me know!!

Ingredients for the Spinach Stuffing:

2 Large bags of fresh Spinach

5 cloves garlic, chopped

1 large Russet Potato, peeled and cubed

Juice of 1 lemon or lime

1/2 cup Olive Oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Few dashes of hot pepper sauce

To make Spinach Stuffing:

In a large frying pan, add oil and heat on medium high . Add cubed potatoes and garlic. Sautee until potatoes start to soften. Add spinach a few at a time and stir. When spinach starts to wilt, add more spinach until all two bags are in pan. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice and a few dashes of hot pepper sauce. Sautee for about 5 minutes or until spinach is softened . Set aside.

Ingredients and recipe for bread dough:

3 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 Tbs sugar

1 tsp salt

1 package Fleischmann’s Rapid Rise Yeast

1 cup hot water (125 to 130 degrees)

1 Tbs Butter softened

In food processor, add all the dry ingredients and pulse till mixed. Add butter and water as you mix . Keep mixing until dough forms a ball.

Remove from processor into a greased baking sheet.. Roll out to a rectangle.

How to put it together:

Add spinach stuffing to the center of the dough. With a sharp knife, cut 2” strips to the center of the dough where the spinach is on each side.

Cover with a dish cloth and let it rise for about 30 minutes while you preheat oven to 400 degrees. After 30 minutes, brush with egg wash. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until bread is golden.

Remove from oven and cool on a cooling rack. When ready to serve, cut down the middle lengthwise, then cut across in 2 inch pieces. Serve and enjoy!