Braided Almond-Herb Bread

Name: Braided Almond-Herb Bread
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 1 loaf.
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 1/4 cup butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°); 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed; 1 teaspoon dill weed; 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed; 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds, toasted, divided; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon water

I got this recipe from a neighbor, who's a great baker and cook. She had just taken a loaf of this bread out of the oven one day when I stopped by, and it was so fragrant and attractive that I just had to have the recipe!

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds, toasted, divided
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water

Directions

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; set aside. In large bowl, combine butter, salt and milk. Stir in yeast mixture, 2 cups flour, herbs and 2 tablespoons almonds. Beat until well-mixed. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl, turning once to grease dough surface. Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down and cut off one-third of dough; set aside. Divide remaining dough into three equal parts, shaping each into a 14-in. rope.
Braid ropes and place on greased baking sheet. Divide set-aside dough into three ropes and braid. Place smaller braid on top of larger braid. Cover; let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Combine egg and water. Brush over entire loaf; sprinkle with remaining almonds. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 130 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/4 starch, 1 fat.

Originally published as Braided Almond-Herb Bread in Country Extra November 1990