Cheating At Ciabatta

So you may be aware that I'm not a brilliant cook. 'Can't cook, loves to eat,' should really be my motto.  Luckily for me my other half is a dab hand in the kitchen so it's not something I need to worry about.  

Occasionally though I sometimes surprise myself and manage to whip up something I'm proud of.  It got me thinking if I can make this, anyone can!  So maybe I should write on post on my adventures in the kitchen.  

There's something nice about the smell of freshly cooked bread isn't there?  Well I'll show you how easy it is to make this Ciabatta with just 3 ingredients for less than a pound!

Mix the entire packet of Wrights Ciabatta Bread Mix with 350 ml of water.  I used the kneaders on my electric whisk.  

Mix for 5 minutes and then add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Mix for a further 1 minute.

Put the dough on a floured surface and pat out into a rectangle - you can do this with your hands. It should measure around 30cm x 15cm.  Leave for 10 minutes.

Cut the dough in half length-ways and place on a greased baking tray. Dust the tops with flour. Don't ask me why, I really don't know!

Cover with a damp cloth or cling film and leave to rise in a warm place for 25-30 minutes.  This could be somewhere like on top of a warm oven.  Don't just leave it on the side, like I did first time round because that won't work! The dough must double in size before you bake it.

Pre-heat the oven, uncover and bake for 25-30 minutes  on 230C, 210C fan or Gas Mark 8.

Turn out and cool on a wire rack. Don't be tempted to let the bread bake for longer as it will continue to cook whilst it's cooling down.

And there you have it.  Ciabatta!

So what do you think? Are you woeful in the kitchen like me or do you love to bake? Do you have any tips when it comes to making bread?