GARDEN HERB LOAF

Garden Herb Loaf image

This bread draws raves whenever I make it! It is a family favorite!

Provided by Theresa Malone

Time 1h50m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 (.25 ounce) packages instant yeast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
¾ cup milk
½ cup water
¼ cup butter
1 egg
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

In large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, salt, and herbs.
Heat milk, water, and 1/4 cup butter until very warm (120-130 degrees F); stir into dry ingredients. Stir in egg and enough remaining flour to make soft dough.
Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Cover; let rest on floured surface 10 minutes.
Divide dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece to 30 inch rope. Braid ropes; pinch ends to seal. Tie knot in center of braid; wrap ends around knot, in opposite directions, and tuck under to make round loaf. Place on greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubles in size, about 20 to 40 minutes.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 30 to 35 minutes or until done, covering with foil during last 10 minutes of baking to prevent excess browning. Melt remaining butter; brush over loaf. Sprinkle with additional herbs, if desired. Remove from sheet; let cool on wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.1 calories, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 17.7 mg, Fat 3.6 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 203.1 mg, Sugar 2.4 g