Homemade Bread Bowls and Broccoli and Cheese Soup

This is one of my family's favorite meals. Today was rainy, windy and cold which put me in the mood for something warm and delicious. You will love this.

Bread Bowls:

Ingredients

• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast (2 ½ tsp = 1 package) OR 5 tsp
• 2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
•  1 Tbs sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. Add salt, oil, sugar and 4 cups flour to the yeast mixture; beat well. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well with an electric mixer at medium speed after each addition.
3. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. 
4. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
5. Punch dough down, and divide into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 4 inch round loaf. Place loaves on lightly greased baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 35 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a small bowl, beat together egg white and 1 tablespoon water; lightly brush the loaves with half of this egg wash.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Brush with remaining egg mixture, and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until golden. Cool on wire racks.
8. To make bowls: Cut a 1/2 inch thick slice from top of each loaf; scoop out centers, leaving 3/4-inch-thick shells. Fill bread bowls with hot soup and serve immediately.   

Broccoli and Cheese Soup:

•  1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 2 1/2 cups cubed processed cheese
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Place broccoli in a medium saucepan with just enough water to cover. Cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Set aside and do not drain water.
2. In a large saucepan, heat milk. Blend in the flour and cheese until smooth. Stir in the cream and bouillon cube. Add the broccoli and some of its water until you have the right consistency.  Add salt and pepper. 
3. Pour into bread bowls and enjoy!

-Meagan-