Garlic herb bread recipe

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This recipe makes a delicious loaf of bread that pairs well with Italian foods, soups, stews and chilis. 

GARLIC HERB BREAD

• 2/3 cup warm water (90-100 degrees)
• 1 3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

In a small bowl, add warm water, yeast and sugar. Allow to sit, undisturbed, until foamy (about 10 minutes). While yeast is foaming, add butter, garlic, flour ans seasonings to a large bowl and mix thoroughly with your fingers. While mixing, "rub" the butter into the dry ingredients with your fingers-this will create small crumbs. When yeast is ready, slowly pour wet ingredients into the dry, stirring with a wooden spoon. When mixed, turn out onto a floured surface and knead 10 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic.  Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom of the bowl and add dough, turning once to coat. Cover with a towel and allow to rise in a warm spot for an hour. After an hour, punch down dough to remove air bubbles. Shape into a loaf and place in a well sprayed and floured bread pan. Cover and allow to rise an additional hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake bread 30-40 minutes, until golden on top. Allow to cool in pan 10 minutes before gently turning out onto a rack to cool completely.