The International Signal for Bread

Long, long ago, my friends and I were having a conversation about international signals: the signs that are easily translated between countries and cultures.  OK, it was probably a drinking game in college, but let's just go with it.  We'd already covered choking - the hands gripped around the neck, and stop - a firm hand raised in front of your body.  Next we did crazy - the pointer finger circle motion next to one's ear.  We were all still aboard.  

Then, my dear friend J said, "Well, then, there's the international signal for bread."  For WHAT NOW?  I don't know if I was there for the actual occurrence or just one of the (hundred) re-tellings, but I recall everyone absolutely busting up asking her to, please for the love of GOD, show us the international signal for bread.  

One of the things I love the most about my friend is that she never shies from retelling a good story, even if it's about her.  And even if it's years and years later.  Kind of a great quality about a person, no?  

So J was, and, as far as I know, is still probably game to demonstrate the international signal for bread.  And here's what it is:  a raised hand doing an abbreviated twist of a lightbulb.  To her, it's signaling the waiter you'd like your bread basket to be replenished.  To everyone else she's ever showed it to, it is pure comedy.  I still crack up thinking of her sincerely twisting that arm in the air, looking for more ciabatta rolls.  

I thought of my dear friend today as I baked a new recipe for Italian bread.  I was home alone and I have to admit I twisted my hand in the air a couple times.   

The recipe, from Cooking Light, is here.  I made it two times to test it and ended up with four loaves.  I gave one to my mail carrier, Mr. Jim (for years the boys thought everyone in a USPS truck was Mr. Jim), one to my neighbor whose apple branches I probably cut for a bouquet last week, one to my friend Angie who just deserved it, and kept one for dinner tonight.  

Rolling out the dough and trying to approximate a rectangle.  Total fail.  

I had no idea what I was doing and yet...

After that dough was rolled.  Look at that pan, do you think we make pizzas, much?

Still don't know what I'm doing, but the dough raised and I made some mean cuts.  

And then did a less mean egg-wash. 

Whoot.  I got four of these.  They're not worthy of a baguette, but I'm getting there.  

The recipe title, "Chewy Italian Bread" is perfect.  This is a Crowdpleaser bread for sure.  

Return your carts to the cart corral,

XO