Pita Bread
Instructions
Put yeast in 1/4 cup of the water; add sugar and let stand for 10 minutes. Sift 2 1/2 cups of flour and the salt into a warm bowl. Form a well in the center; pour in yeast mixture and remaining warm water. Begin to mix with hand, wooden spoon, or dough hook, adding remaining flour as needed. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 to 15 minutes, until smooth and no longer sticky.
Oil a large bowl; place dough in bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and put in a warm place free of drafts for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Dough should be doubled in bulk. Knead for a few minutes then divide into balls about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Roll balls into circles on a lightly floured surface with floured rolling pin, or flatten into circles with hand. The circles should be about 1/4-inch thick and about 7 inches in diameter. Sandwich the circles between floured cloths and let rise for about 20 minutes in a warm place. Preheat oven to 475. Sprinkle cookie sheets with flour or oil. Place loaves on baking sheets and bake 5 to 10 minutes. If baking sheets are oiled, turn pita loaves to brown both sides. Remove to wire racks to cool.
