Garlic Bites

Garlic Bites
recipe from Wholesome Harvest by Carol Gelles

Ingredients:

1/2 cup very warm water (110°-115°F)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 package active dry yeast
2 to 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided
1/3 cup white or yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup water
3-5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
garlic powder to taste

Stir warm water, sugar and yeast in a glass bowl. Let stand until 1/4 inch bubbly foam forms on top.

While the yeast is proofing (foaming), stir 1 1/2 cups flour, cornmeal and salt in a separate large bowl. Add the yeast mixture, water, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the fresh garlic. Stir until combined. Add 1/3 cup more flour to form a manageable dough.

Turn the dough out onto a heavily floured surface and knead for about 7 minutes using as much of the remaining flour as necessary to create a smooth and elastic dough. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm spot (I like using the microwave) until doubled in bulk.

Punch down the dough and pinch small pieces off, form each into a small ball less than an inch in diameter. Place the "bites" on a greased baking sheet, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Let rise for 25 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F and bake 15-18 minutes or until the tops are just beginning to brown. Remove from oven, brush with oil and serve warm!