Homemade Bread and Herb Infused Olive Oil

Dipping sauces is a favorite of mine, I can make a meal out of it. Olive oil is amazing for your body and there are so many health benefits. (See earlier post on benefits of olive oil.) Here is a recipe for gluten free bread and how to infuse your own olive oil at home. Use this oil for dipping, a marinate, salad dressing and the list can go on.

Olive Oil Infused with Dried Herbs
Put 2 tbsp. dried herbs or vegetables into a dark glass 8-oz. bottle. Popular choices are basil, oregano and red peppers. Heat 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a sauce pan over low heat for 15 minutes. Place a funnel in the top of the glass bottle. Pour the heated extra-virgin olive oil through the funnel into the glass bottle. Place the cap tightly on the glass bottle and store the olive oil spice mixture in a dark, cool place. After 1 week, the flavor of the spices will infuse into the olive oil.
Olive Oil Infused with Fresh Ingredients
Wash fresh ingredients in clean water and pat dry with a clean paper towel to remove any dirt or bacteria. Puree or slice 4 oz. of fresh ingredients into small pieces. Popular ingredients for olive oil infusions are herbs, garlic and bell peppers. Combine the pureed or sliced fresh ingredients with 8 oz. extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp. lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors of the fresh ingredients with the olive oil. Place a funnel into the top of an 8-oz. dark glass bottle. Pour the mixture through the funnel into the glass bottle. Place the cap tightly onto the glass bottle. Store the infused olive oil in the refrigerator and use within 1 week.

Gluten Free Bread
I love Bob's Red Mill products. This company has a so many wonderful items that are gluten free. I use their bread mix, although if you want to go all the way homemade and gluten free this company offers many gluten free flours to make bread and other gluten free items.

One package of Bob's Red Mill Bread Mix
1 2/3 cups of warm milk
1 whole egg plus enough egg whites to make 3/4 cup
1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
1 tsp of cider vinegar

Then follow directions on the package.