Bread Bowls

(credit to Allrecipes.com)

The original recipe makes 8 bowls. The numbers in parenthesis at the end are for a half batch (4 bowls).

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) (1 ¼)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (1)
7 cups all-purpose flour (3 ½)
2 teaspoons sugar (1)
2 teaspoons salt (1)
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast (1)
2 T garlic powder

1 egg white
1 cup water (1/2)
2 Tablespoons garlic powder
oregano


DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. Add salt, oil 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. 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. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.

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 flour. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 35 minutes. DO NOT reknead the bowls- avoid handling them directly before baking so they will stay raised.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat together egg white and 1 tablespoon water; lightly brush the loaves with half of this egg wash. Sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano.

After 15 minutes, remove bowls from oven. Brush with egg mixture, and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until golden. Cool on wire racks.

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.

*This works well with thick, creamy soups--I don't know how they'd hold up with a water based soup (like chicken noodle)