BUTTERY HERB LOAVES

Buttery Herb Loaves image

A succulent herb butter is the secret to this bread's irresistible richness. These lovely loaves disappear quickly.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
2 eggs
1/3 cup shortening
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
HERB BUTTER:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Melted butter
Sesame or poppy seeds

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, eggs, shortening, sugar, salt and 1 cup flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll each portion to 1/16-in. thickness; cut out ten 5-in. circles from each. Combine the butter, garlic, basil, onion, caraway seeds, oregano and cayenne; spread over dough. Fold circles in half; set half aside. , For each loaf, start with one folded circle on a greased baking sheet with folded edge toward the right. Working from right to left, add another piece with folded edge on right side, overlapping three-fourths of the previous piece. Repeat. , Form a second rectangular loaf from the reserved folded circles. Brush with butter; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. , Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 198 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 413mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.