Derrick Shore’s mom shares her rosemary bread recipe with ‘Houston Life’ viewers

Whether it’s a grandparent’s signature dessert, an aunt’s unforgettable side dish, or a parent’s secret ingredient that somehow makes your favorite dinner even better, many families have a beloved recipe that only one person knows how to make.

“Houston Life” host Derrick Shore said he had to work with his mom to get the recipe for her rosemary bread written down. After years of baking it from memory, the steps and ingredients had been safely stored in her head... until now!

Thank you to Bobbie Sharon for sharing her rosemary bread with Houston. With cold days still ahead, there’s no better time to turn on the oven and start baking.

ROSEMARY BREAD RECIPE

1. Whisk together in a large bowl:

• 4 c Bread Flour
• 1/2 tsp Yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 - 2 tbsp Rosemary - Chopped fine or rough*

1. Using a wooden spoon, stir in 2 cups water, until dough is sticky.
2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or tea towel.
3. Let sit at room temperature for 12 - 18 hours.
4. Sprinkle just enough flour on dough to be able to form it into a loose ball using hands or spatula.
5. Lightly dust a sheet of parchment paper with flour or corn meal, THEN place dough ball on top.
6. Cover dough with tea towel and let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Place empty 6 - 8 qt cast iron pan with lid in oven.
8. Preheat to 450 F. When heated, carefully remove lid.
9. Lift loaf with the parchment paper and place both in HOT pan.
10. Cover the pan and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove the lid and bake for additional 10 - 15 minutes until golden.
12. Cool on rack -- Or don’t and eat it warm!
13. Serve with dips of choice. (Derrick says his family likes olive oil and balsamic vinegar.)

*Optional herbs to try in place of rosemary: basil, Italian seasoning, dried onion, garlic, lemon thyme, sage, dill, parsley (Adjust amounts to taste. Dry herbs require less than fresh herbs.)