ROSEMARY GARLIC BRAID

Rosemary Garlic Braid image

This moist savory bread pairs nicely with a variety of main dishes. It's great with soup...and makes a wonderful grilled ham and cheese sandwich. I came up with the recipe a few years ago when I wanted to use up the fresh rosemary in my garden. -Cori Oakley, Traverse City, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h55m

Yield 3 loaves (12 slices each.).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

5 whole garlic bulbs
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup minced fresh rosemary or 4 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
1 tablespoon chicken broth
9 to 9-1/2 cups bread flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 packages (1/4 ounce each) quick-rise yeast
3 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 cups milk
1 cup water
3/4 cup butter, divided
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic salt

Steps:

Remove papery outer skin from garlic (do not peel or separate cloves). Cut top off garlic heads, leaving root end intact. Place cut side up in a small baking dish. Brush with oil; sprinkle with rosemary. , Cover and bake at 425° for 30-35 minutes or until softened. Cool for 10 minutes; squeeze softened garlic into a bowl. Add broth; lightly mash., In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a large saucepan, heat the milk, water and 1/2 cup butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. , Beat in egg and garlic paste until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes, Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Divide each portion into three pieces; shape each into an 18-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. , Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Melt remaining butter; add garlic salt. Brush over bread. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 164 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 320mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.