Parker House Herb Loaves

Step 1: Combine 1 cup flour, yeast, sugar, and garlic salt in a large mixing bowl; stir well.

Step 2: Combine milk and 1/3 cup butter in a saucepan; cook over medium-low heat until mixture reacches 120-130 degrees-Fahrenheit, stirring often.

Step 3: Gradually add hot milk mixture to flour mixture, stirring well. Add eggs; beat at low speed with an electric mixer stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Step 4: Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic (about 6 - 8 minutes). Shape into a ball. Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top.

Step 5: Cover and let rise in a warm place (85-degrees-F), free from drafts, 30 or so minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Step 6: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup softened butter, herbs, and onion; stir well. Set aside.

Step 7: Punch dough down; turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly for 4 or 5 times. Divide dough in half. Roll half of dough to 1/4-inch thickness; cut with a 4-inch round cutter.

Step 8: Spread 2 teaspoons herb butter on tops of dough rounds; fold in half, bringing bottom within 1/4-inch of top half, allowing herbe butter to peak through top.

Step 9: Place half-moons upright next to each other on a greased baking sheet.

Step 10: 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.

Step 11: Bake at 375-degrees-Fahrenheit for 14 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 12: Brush loaves with remaining herb butter. Garnish if desired.

Step 13: Yields: 2 loaves.