Homemade Pitas

There is something about making your own bread. A friend of mine once said that we have lost touch of where our food comes from. There was a time when bread was made in the home. I will have to say my bread making muscles are weak. And it feels more like a chore unless I'm in the mood. I hoping to gain strength in making bread for my family. It's really is relaxing and yummy! So yesterday I got out my Better Homes & Gardens cook book and made some pitas.
Pita Recipe(Most of you have the Better Homes cook book, I would go there for a detailed recipe) I Personally like get to the point version!!
1Package active dry yeast
11/4 cups of warm water
31/4 cups of all purpose flour
1/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• Soften yeast in a mixing bowl with warm water
• Add 2 cups of flour, shortening and salt. Beat with a mixer for 1/2 minute.
• Then beat on high for 3 minutes. If you have a kitchen aid I would recommend using the hook attachment
• Pour in the rest of the flour and mix with a spoon.
• Knead the remaining flour for 3 to 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic
• Let rest covered in a warm place for 15 min.

After resting for 15. I like the resting part. I find that I don't get as worn out while baking bread. I can go and do a small chore during that time or just rest myself. Anyways you want to divide the dough into 12 parts.
I do that by cutting the dough in half then cutting the halves in half and then cutting those into 3 parts.

After cutting them in to 12 parts. Roll into a smooth ball and let rest for 10 min.

Then after 10 min. flatten your balls with out creasing the dough using your fingers. Let set covered for another 10 min. Go put your laundry away:) Then roll out with out creasing or pinching the dough into pancake shape...mine were different sizes. The recipe says to bake 2 pita breads at a time....but because I'm such a patient person I baked 4 at time and it work just fine!;) You bake them at 450 for 3 min then flip and bake another 2 min. They should puff up and be slightly brown.

They are just beautiful!! You can use these to make mini pizza's for your kids. My favorite is dipping in olive oil and cracked pepper. Make sandwiches. Great for dipping in soup. Get creative and put them in a Christmas basket to give to your neighbors!