Garden Herb Braid
Taste of Home
- try a FREE ISSUE today!
My family loves this bread, and I've made it for church dinners, too. In the summer, I like to use fresh herbs from my mom's garden. You can vary the herbs and substitute your favorites.
-Martha Smith
Orient, Ohio
SERVINGS: 16
CATEGORY: Breads
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 20 min. + rising Bake: 25 min. + cooling
Ingredients:
- 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) quick-rise yeast
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon each dried marjoram, thyme, parsley flakes, basil and oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 3/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- TOPPING:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/8 teaspoon each dried marjoram, thyme, parsley flakes, basil and oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/8 teaspoon rubbed sage
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt and herbs. In a saucepan, heat the milk, water and butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Divide dough into thirds. Shape each portion into a 15-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Cover; let rise until doubled, about 20 minutes.
Bake 375° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Combine herbs; sprinkle over bread. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Yield: 1 loaf. (16 slices).