Sage-Apple Cider Bread

Name: Sage-Apple Cider Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices).
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1-1/4 cups warm apple cider or juice (110° - 115°); 2 cups bread flour; 1/3 cup butter, melted; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 egg; 1/4 cup fresh sage, thinly sliced; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons 2% milk

Who knew sage and apple cider would create such a fantastic bread? This versatile loaf that has just a hint of sweetness makes wonderful sandwiches or stuffing. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1-1/4 cups warm apple cider or juice (110° - 115°)
2 cups bread flour
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup fresh sage, thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 to 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons 2% milk

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm cider. Add the bread flour, butter, sugar, egg, sage and salt. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough all-purpose flour to form a firm 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 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a loaf. Place in a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes. Brush with milk.
Bake at 375° for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.