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Sandra Lee Would Be Proud


I love watching Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade. I consider myself a pretty good baker and an aspiring cook, who wishes she had more of a taste for adventure in the kitchen. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy cooking but I’m kind of a picky eater. Ok, I’m a REALLY picky eater. My kids have more adventure when it comes to food than I do. The Food Network, especially Sandra Lee’s show, has really inspired me to try new things.

One thing I love about the Semi-Homemade way of cooking is that Sandra Lee makes meals that don’t look or taste like they came from a box, but they are super easy. I can hear her voice right now, “I take 70% store bought ingredients and add 30% fresh ingredients.” This idea got me thinking. I love to make homemade bread. I always use my mom’s bread recipe and then alter it to make different types of bread. I know making bread from scratch can seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before. So, here’s my Semi-Homemade version of a favorite bread at our house.



Basil Parmesan Bread, the semi-homemade way, is super easy and so pretty. I started with a box of bread mix. I’ve never used a boxed mix before and I was surprised by how yummy and super easy it was. I used my bread maker on the dough cycle because that’s what I always do, but hindsight, I really didn’t need it. It probably would have been easier to just mix it up in a bowl. All you do is combine the box of bread mix, water, and the yeast packet that is included. Done with step one.

Once the bread has risen, you knead it and roll it flat. I rolled it into a square that was the size of the width of my bread pan.

I spread a half of a stick of butter over the dough and added some freshly chopped basil (about a tablespoon) and a sprinkling of Parmesan (I’d say half a cup). Usually when we make this I add garlic, but I completely forgot this time. So, if you make it, add a clove of crushed garlic.

You just roll it up like you would if you were making cinnamon rolls and put it in the pan to rise again. Follow the direction on the box for baking.



The finished product looks like it came from a specialty bread store. 70% store bought, 30% fresh ingredients, and soooo easy. Sandra Lee’s on to something here!



Enjoy!

Here are a few parties I like to participate in.

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The Comments

  • sewingseeds4U
    June 14, 2010

    Mmmm…I can almost smell how good it is. I love making bread and agree, the box tastes delish, too. Keep it sweet…keep it simple…keep it semi-homemade,lol. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Patty

  • Fern Valley Farm
    June 14, 2010

    This looks delicious Becca! Such a great and simple idea…and I have fresh basil in my garden right now! I'm going to give it a try this week.
    Thanks for sharing your recipe.
    ~Elissa

  • Anne Maskell
    June 14, 2010

    Ohh, that looks so good! It would be fantastic with pasta! I'm visiting with keeping it simple, hope you visit me too!

  • Emily {Frilly Details}
    June 16, 2010

    Ok, I'm totally making this bread! I have a lot of basil in the garden so this is perfect! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Amy Bowman
    June 16, 2010

    oh that looks so very good. my basil is getting happy in our garden and just about ready for me to pick, I will for sure be making this!
    Thanks for linking up to my "AP Tuesdays" party. Would you do me a favor and relink under the "recipes, crafts and projects" theme? I have 2 themes in one party…sorry for the confusion. If you are still confused, the post explains more…

  • Jenni R.
    June 16, 2010

    Thanks for a great idea! It looks so yummy!

  • Sarah @HarriganHowdy
    June 19, 2010

    Ok, wow!! That looks delicious! I really love the "Semi-homemade" recipes too. Kinda saves you time, and for me, that's a must. Thanks for sharing.

    Blessings,
    Sarah

  • Kimberly
    June 19, 2010

    Your post inspired me to tell my mom I'm taking her bread machine. 🙂 I mean she hasn't used it in a while, and I'm trying to be kitchen adventurous. And I have some basil I'd love to use in the bread. Thanks for sharing!

    P.S. Found you from Frugal Friday and following along now!