Herbal Bread

Prep Time - 1 1/2 hours or more for dough to rise

• 1 cup of warm water over 100-110°
• 2 T olive oil
• 2 cups bread flour
• 2 t. sugar
• 1 pkg. active dry yeast
• 1 T. rosemary
• 1 T. thyme
• 1 t. garlic powder or chives
• 1 large mixing bowl lightly greased with olive oil
• 1 standard cookie sheet lightly dusted with cornmeal

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Mix well.
2. Add warm water and oil and mix together. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Kneed approx. 10 minutes or until smooth. Place dough in the lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes.
4. Shape into a 12” log (make 3 angle cuts across the top of the dough) or for a round mound, make a cross cut into the dough. This allows for expansion.
5. Place on cornmeal covered cookie sheet, cover with plastic and allow to rise for 25-30 minutes or until it is double in size.
6. Remove plastic and bake in a preheated oven of 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown or hollow sounding when tapped. Remove from oven.

For a softer crust, spread butter over the warm bread. Serve warm with soup!