Cheese garlic bread

Richly flavored garlic bread makes a feel-good starter when you need a little treat.

 

for the dough
1 3/4 cups white flour
1 tsp.dry yeast
1/2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup warm water

for the topping
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
5 oz. mozzarella, thinly sliced
Ground black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, for sprinkling

1.  Combine the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl, and make a well in the middle. 
2.  Add the oil and water and mix to a soft dough.  Turn out the dough on to a lightly floured       surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. 
3.  Place in a clean oiled bowl, cover with oiled plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

Preheat the oven to 425 F (220 C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.  Divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll into rounds or ovals, arranging them slightly apart on the baking sheet.

Mix the oil and garlic, then drizzle it over the bread.  Top with the cheese, season with pepper, and bake for about 12 minutes, until golden and bubbling.  Serve immediately, sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Makes 8