Italian Herb Bread

The W's got to take their first walk together in 5 weeks though Willie could only walk for half a block.  But still, it's progress.
 

Yesterday, I attempted to make the pasta dinner again.  Right after I made this loaf of Italian Herb Bread, I was informed that The Chef was called into work for an emergency and dinner was once again canceled.  

I froze the bolognese, put the noodles in a ziplock bag and called it a day.  

So much for the dinner that was never going to happen.  As for the loaf of bread, I gave it to my workers with some of my garlic scape butter.  It smelled really good!

Bread:

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 4-1/2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ cup water
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg
  
  

Topping:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Directions:

 

• Step 1

  Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, basil, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and rosemary in a large bowl.

• Step 2

  Combine milk, water, and butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in a microwave until butter melts, about 30 seconds. Pour over the flour mixture; beat until dough is just moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in remaining 3 cups flour to form a soft dough.

• Step 3

  Turn dough onto a floured surface such as a large cutting board or countertop. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

• Step 4

  Divide dough into thirds. Shape each piece into a 15-inch rope. Transfer ropes to a greased baking sheet. Braid together. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under the braid. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes.

• Step 5

  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush top of the braid with olive oil and sprinkle with basil.

• Step 6

  Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet, or remove to a wire rack.

 

I let mine rise for an hour before I braided it and then let it rise another 30 minutes before baking.  I brushed it with garlic butter when it came out of the oven.