French Bread

This was the best homemade bread I have ever made.

7 cups flour divided3 cups warm water

1/3 cup sugar

2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 packages yeast

Instructions

Mix 3 and 1/2 cups flour with all ingredients.

Let sit one hour. Add remaining 3 and 1/2 cups flour (one at a time) and knead till dough forms a ball (dough sticky).

Cover with a damp cloth for 30 minutes.Divide and shape into 2 oblong loaves (long and narrow). Place on greased cookie sheet. Slit top with scissors 1/2 down diagonally. Paint top with slightly beaten egg whites.

Let sit for 8-10 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees F for about 30 minutes.

This recipe from: http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/05/french-bread/

Brownie Batter Dip

I have made this dip twice now, and everyone is in love with it. It is from Chef-In-Training http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/03/brownie-batter-dip/. It is now my go to recipe for any kind of party I have (it's replaced my cream cheese chocolate chip ball). Watch out, because you will eat the whole thing.

8 oz. cream cheese

1/2 c. butter

2-3 c. powdered sugar (varies by desired consistency)

5 tbsp. All Purpose flour

5 tbsp. cocoa powder

2 tbsp. brown sugar

3+ tbsp. milk (varies by desired consistency)

1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer, whisk together the cream cheese and the butter.
2. Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and 1 tbsp. milk.
3. Add the flour, cocoa powder, vanilla, brown sugar, and 1 more tbsp. of milk if needed.
4. Whisk all until smooth.
5. Add remaining powdered sugar and milk alternately until dip reaches your desired consistency.

Enjoy!