The Texas Muffuletta - Part I

Yes, Texas does have it's own version of the classic New Orlean's Muffuletta sandwich! It was created in Austin, Texas, in 1971, by a guy named Al, for Don and Dolores Dissman, founders of "Schlotzky's," a successful sandwich franchise. Schlotzky's has since expanded, mostly in the South and Southwestern United States. Their signature sandwich is simply called "The Original." It is delicious! Unfortunately, I don't have the privilege of having a Schlotzky's nearby; so, with a lot of research and testing in my home kitchen, I have developed a d*** good version! The secret to any Schlotzky's sandwich is their fabulous freshly baked sourdough bread. I guarantee that you will love it! As one of their former slogans suggests, "Just One Sandwich ... It's That Good!"

*Check back for The Texas Muffuletta - Part II!

Schlotzsky's "Original" Sourdough Bread

Makes 1, 11" bun

Ingredients:

For the bread

1/2 cup warm water

1 tablespoon sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons rapid rise dry yeast

6 ounces warm milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

1 cup, plus 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

11"x2" deep dish pie pan

Non-stick cooking spray

Directions:

For the bread

In the bowl of a stand-up mixer, combine the 1/2 cup warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until frothy and bubbly.

With the dough hook attachment, mix in the milk, baking soda/water mixture, salt, and the 1 cup of flour until well mixed. Next, add the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour until a thick and sticky dough has formed.

Spray the 11"x2" deep dish pie pan with non-stick cooking spray. "Spread" the dough out the best you can in the pie pan. (Don't worry, it will spread and settle out.)

Spray a piece of plastic wrap, big enough to cover the pan, with non-stick cooking spray and place, spray side down, over the pan. Let sit for an hour, or until it has risen to the top of the pan. Gently remove the plastic wrap. (It's okay if it falls a little, it will rise more in the oven.)

Heat oven to 375 degrees, and bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven, spray the top of the bread with a little non-stick cooking spray (to keep the crust soft), and let cool in the pan.

*Check back to learn how to assemble the rest of this awesome sandwich!*