Instructions:

• Grease the bottom and sides of a loaf pan with shortening, butter, or nonstick cooking spray.

• Combine 1 ¾ cups of the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in large bowl. Add the water, shortening or butter, and herbs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute, scraping the sides of the bowl frequently.  Stir in the remaining 1 ¼ cup flour until smooth.

• Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and spread evenly in the pan. Pat into a loaf shape with floured hands. Lightly spray the top of the loaf with cooking spray, then cover loosely with plastic wrap. Allow the loaf to rise in a warm place for 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.

• Preheat oven to 375°F.

• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped or internal temperature reads 190°F.

• Remove from oven and immediately remove the loaf from the pan and place on a wire rack.

• Brush top of loaf with butter; sprinkle with additional chopped herbs if desired. Allow to cool before slicing.

Variations:

• Higher Fiber:  Replace 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with ½ cup whole wheat flour, ¼ cup flax meal, and ¼ cup wheat germ.

• Cinnamon Raisin:  Omit herbs and replace with 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon. Add 1 cup of raisins and ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) to batter before adding in final 1 ¼ cups of flour.

• Oatmeal-Molasses Bread: Replace sugar with 2 tablespoons of molasses and ½ cup of all purpose flour with ½ cup of quick oats.

• Garlic Bread:  Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to herbs and 1 clove of finely minced garlic.

• Whole Wheat:  Replace 3 cups of all purpose flour with 3 cups of finely milled whole wheat flour.