Herbed Italian Loaf

Recipe View Combine warm water, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, flour, and yeast in your bread machine pan, following the manufacturer's recommended order. Select the dough cycle and press Start. (Approximately 2 minutes)

Recipe View Listen for the 'beep' indicating the time to add additional ingredients. Gently sprinkle in the oregano and basil. (Approximately 1 minute)

Recipe View Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Shape it into an oval or round loaf and place it on a baking sheet generously greased with olive oil. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. (Approximately 1 hour for rising)

Recipe View Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). (Approximately 10 minutes)

Recipe View In a small bowl, blend 2 tablespoons of water with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Create three slits across the top of the loaf. Brush the entire loaf with the salt water mixture and sprinkle evenly with toasted sesame seeds. (Approximately 5 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. (Approximately 20-25 minutes)

Recipe View Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This brief rest will allow the crust to soften slightly. (Approximately 10 minutes)