Home-Baked Herb Bread

Mix 2 cups of the flour, sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Add parsley, rosemary and thyme.

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine milk and butter. Heat until milk is just warm and butter is melted. Add to the flour mixture and beat on medium speed for 1 minute.

By hand, stir in remaining flour, until dough is smooth not sticky. Knead for 5 to 6 minutes. Form into a ball and place the dough in a buttered bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until double, about 1 hour.

Separate dough into 3 equal pieces. Form each piece into a 12-inch rope and braid. Place on a greased cookie sheet and cover with a towel. Let rise for another 30–40 minutes.

Heat oven to 350ºF. Beat egg with a fork or whisk and brush loaf with beaten egg. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. After 10 minutes, transfer loaf to rack to cool.