Garlic and Herb Pull Apart Bread

It is very unlikely to get this freezing cold in our part of the world. It doesn't snow but it snowed...atleast on the mountains, that is visible from our nest. Even though we would love to stay all tucked in the blanket, we have places to go to and so it doesn't get any better. Should I mention the countless number of times that the kido has fallen sick in the past one month...uff..I just want it all to end and embrace the warmth of the sun which seems to be hiding somewhere. I know I am going to say something totally contradictory when it would get too hot in summer. But hey isn't that human :D.

Anyways, coming back to food, we have been trying to keep ourselves warm with some great food which is easy to make and provides warmth to the body in this dropping temperature. This bread is just the perfect one for the crazy weather conditions. They are great for the tea time with some hot cup of coffee or tea. It has a blend of a variety of flavours that will definitely wake your taste buds esp. if you have been under the weather lately given the crazy weather. 

Try it and have a great tea time with your family.

Ingredients

1. 3 1/2 cup of all purpose flour
2. 1 tbsp of sugar
3. 2 tsp of instant rise yeast
4. 1 tsp of salt
5. 1/4 tsp of dried thyme
6. 1 + 1/2 tsp of dried basil
7. 6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
8. 2 tbsp of olive oil
9. 1/4 cup of milk
10. 1 cup of warm water
11. 4 tbsp of melted unsalted butter
12. 6 tbps of parmesan cheese

Method

• In a large mixing bowl, add the ingredients 1-5, 1/2 tsp of basil and half of chopped garlic. Mix it all well. 
• Mix the milk, olive oil and warm water. Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture, little by little while you mix it in. Mix it all well. Knead and form a smooth dough.
• Grease a bowl and transfer the dough into it. Cover and leave it in a warm place to double in size.
• Once doubled in size, remove the dough on to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangular shape, not very thinly. Mix the remaining chopped garlic into the melted butter. Brush the melted butter mixture on to the rolled out dough. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese all over the dough. Sprinkle the remaining basil all over. 
• Using a pizza cutter, cut out about 6 rectangular strips about 1 1/2 inch width. Layer the rectangular strips by placing one on top of each other. Now divide this layered strip into 6 equal pieces. Stack it again. Transfer it onto a greased loaf pan. 
• Cover and let it rest for another 30-45 minutes to rise again.
• Preheat the oven to 350 F.
• Grease the top of the loaf with some melted butter and bake it for about 35 minutes.
• Serve it warm with some ketchup.

Tips

1. You could cover the loaf with aluminium foil while baking, to prevent over browning.