3 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup snipped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil, crushed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon water
2 to 3 Roma tomatoes, very thinly sliced
1. In a skillet heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in hot oil for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cheese, basil, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center of dry ingredients. Slightly beat one of the eggs. In a small mixing bowl stir together remaining oil, buttermilk, and the beaten egg. Stir in onion mixture. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring until flour mixture is just moistened.
3. With floured hands, knead gently in bowl 2 to 3 times or until dough is nearly smooth. Shape into 4-inch rounds. (Or, shape into one 6-inch round loaf.) Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
4. Slightly beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush loaf with egg mixture. Arrange tomato slices on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly on a wire rack; serve warm or at room temperature. Keep for 2 or 3 days at room temperature in a paper bag. Makes 12 servings. (From Better Homes and Gardens)
Variations I have used: Use coarse or fine whole wheat. The Romano cheese gives more cheese flavor to counter balance the basil. Make one large flat loaf.
