Parker House Herb Loaves

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread flour, divided
• 2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes rapid-rise yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• Garnish: fresh thyme

Preparation

1. Combine 1 cup flour, yeast, sugar, and garlic salt in a large mixing bowl; stir well.
2. Combine milk and 1/3 cup butter in a saucepan; cook over medium-low heat until mixture reaches 120° to 130°, stirring often.
3. Gradually add hot milk mixture to flour mixture, stirring well. Add eggs; beat at low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
4. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic (about 6 to 8 minutes). Shape into a ball. Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
5. Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup softened butter, herbs, and onion; stir well. Set aside.
6. Punch dough down; turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 4 or 5 times. Divide dough in half. Roll half of dough to 1/4" thickness; cut with a 4" round cutter.
7. Spread 2 teaspoons herb butter on tops of dough rounds; fold in half, bringing bottom within 1/4" of top half, allowing herb butter to peak through top. Place half-moons upright next to each other on a greased baking sheet.
8. Repeat procedure with remaining dough and herb butter, making a second loaf. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 20 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
9. Bake at 375° for 14 minutes or until lightly browned. Brush loaves with remaining herb butter. Garnish, if desired.