How to Make a Real Bread Basket for Thanksgiving Dinner

This is one of those things that I deem as special, I only make them for Thanksgiving dinner. These bread baskets are made from real bread dough and make a unique and interesting addition to the dinner table.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Frozen bread dough
• 2-4 Qt. metal bowl
• Spray shortening
• Pastry cutter (optional)
• Rolling pin
• Uphostery cardboard trim
• Beaten egg

1. 
   GATHER YOUR EQUIPMENT

   To get an idea of how this bread bowl is made, think of using the metal bowl, upside down, for the "pan". We'll be laying strips of dough over the bowl in a basket pattern, bake it and when done we'll have a "real" bread basket to hold our rolls for Thanksgiving dinner. Lets get started:

2. 
   BEGIN THE BASKET PATTERN

   Start by thawing the frozen dough, usually takes a few hours. I used a 5 pack of dough because my bowl is large. Spray the bottom of the bowl with a non stick product. Set aside. On a surface you can cut on, begin to roll the dough to no less than 1/4", any thinner and the dough will stretch and break. With a paring knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1" wide. Make sure that you roll the dough long enough to reach from side to side with about 2" of spare on each side. Begin by laying one strip across the top of the bowl and begin the basket pattern. This is just like a lattice pie top. Continue laying strips gently pressing together as you go.

3. 
   LAY CARDBOARD TRIM ALONG THE RIM OF BOWL

   Continue with the strips until you have reached the rim of the bowl. To begin to finish the top edge, I reinforce the edge with the cardboard striping intended for use in upholstery. It is not necessary to use this, any thin cardboard will work. The use of the cardboard is to strengthen the edge of the basket as this is the area that is handled the most. Lay the cardboard over the dough right along the rim of the bowl. Cut all the strips to 1-1/2" in length and begin to dampen the tails of dough as well as the area just above the cardboard. Fold up the tails of dough and gently press into the sides of the bowl completely covering the cardboard.

4. 
   BRUSH DOUGH WITH EGG WASH

   Take a long strip of dough and carefully twist the dough. Wet the end and press over the edge of the bowl and go all around the edge covering the seam where the dough tails were folded up. If necessary, gently press the strips together so no gaps are visible. Beat one egg with a TB. of water and brush onto the completed bowl. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

5. 
   ALLOW TO DRY INSIDE AND OUT

   When baking is done, allow the basket to remain on the bowl overnight. Leave the bowl to set out in the air to completely dry, do not enclose in plastic or it will mold. Really allow the bread basket to get stale, the harder the better as it will be passed from one hand to another all thru the meal.

Tips & Warnings

• On Thanksgiving Day, line the bread basket with a pretty napkin and pile high with rolls. I have kept one of these baskets I made for several years before it started to get dirty looking. The basket will work beautifully for Christmas dinner as well. Allow plenty of time to make your basket and allow to dry prior to Thanksgiving.

Resources

• Give a Thanksgiving Hostess Gift
• Make a Thanksgiving Basket
• Make Thanksgiving Pear Custard Pie
• Adopt a Family for Thanksgiving

[luv2blog]

on 12/4/2008 WOW! Now that is cool. I really like that idea. I'm going to try to make me a bread basket. Thanks for the tips and the pics.

[WickerWoman]

on 11/25/2008 What a clever idea Dusty, and to think, this basketmaker didn't think of that first! Great article, 5 stars!

[PABechko]

on 11/13/2008 Great idea for the holidays.

[ljstraight]

on 11/13/2008 Super recipes for the holidays. 5 stars

[MotherDove]

on 11/12/2008 Wow, that is sooo impressive! Now, when the Obamas come for dinner, I'll set a super special table (darn, now, I feel guilty about NOT doing this for my own family! lol) This is great, thanks!