Bread Machine Pita Bread

The dough for these white pita or "pocket" breads is mixed and kneaded in the bread machine, then shaped and rolled by hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp warm water
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp yeast

Directions:

Place all ingredients in bread pan according to manufacturer's recommendation, and select dough setting. Turn the kneaded dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 8 pieces. Form each piece into a ball, tucking edges under. Cover and let dough rest about 10 minutes. With a rolling pin roll each piece from the center to the edge, into a 6- to 7-inch circle. Cover dough with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Place 2-3 pitas on a wire cake rack, and place directly on oven rack. Bake for 4-5 minutes until puffed and golden. Remove from oven and immediately place in a sealed paper bag or cover with a damp kitchen towel until soft. Once softened, pitas may be split and filled. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerater or freeze up to 2 months.

Number of Servings: 8

Notes from the Cook: This easy, almost no-fail recipe makes the dough in the bread machine. All you have to do is shape and bake.