Basil Beer Bread

Just in time for Saint Patrick's Day!  It's tasty, filling, and made with BEER!  What more could you ask for?  I got this recipe straight from the Real Simple website.  Goes well with olive oil or Avocado Hummus (see previous post) for dipping.

Ingredients:
olive oil for the baking sheet
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
1 12-ounce bottle beer, preferably ale
flour for the work surface
1 cup chopped basil leaves
 
**NOTE- If using fresh basil, remove the leaf stems and chop into very small pieces.  This will help evenly distribute them.  You could also use the dry crushed basil found in the cooking spices section of your grocery store.**
 
Directions:
1.  Heat oven to 400° F. Oil a baking sheet. Combine the flour, yeast, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl.  Mix together with a large spoon.
2.  Add the basil and stir until well distributed.  
3.  Add the beer and mix just until the dough comes together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a round loaf and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
4.  Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until the loaf is lightly browned and passes the "toothpick test." This means if the bread is done, a toothpick stuck in the center of the loaf will come out clean.  If there are bread bits sticking to the toothpick, it needs to bake for a few more minutes.  Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.