Artisan Bread Bowls

-King Arthur Flour

3-3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour or pumpernickel flour
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
1-1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 cups lukewarm water, enough to make a smooth, soft dough

1) Mix and knead together all of the ingredients—by hand, mixer or bread machine—till you've created a smooth dough.

2) Allow the dough to rise, covered, for 45 minutes; it should become puffy.

3) Divide the dough into 5 pieces.

4) Roll each piece into a ball.

5) Place on a lightly greased or parchment covered baking sheet.

6) Cover the bread bowls with greased plastic wrap.

7) Refrigerate for 4 hours (or up to 24 hours); this step will give the bread bowls extra flavor, and a delightfully crisp-chewy texture.

8) Two or more hours before serving, remove the bread bowls from the refrigerator. Uncover, and let them sit for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F.

9) Just before baking, slash the top surface of the bowls several times to allow them to expand.

10) Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, until the bowls are deep brown, and sound hollow when thumped on the bottom.

11) Remove from the oven, and cool on a rack.

Delicious with Broccoli Cheese Soup.