This cheese bread is a lovely bread recipe.

Because it requires just one rising, it is much faster to make than regular yeast bread recipes.

I love the mix of herbs and cheese. It is a great bread to serve warm with butter alongside a hearty soup or stew on a cool night.

Prep time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2 1/2 - 2 3/4 cups flour, divided
1 package dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
3/4 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried whole tarragon

Directions:
Combine the milk, water and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat, and cool to lukewarm.

Combine 1 cup of flour, the yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the milk mixture, the egg, herbs and cheddar cheese. Beat for 2 minutes. Beat another 2 minutes. Gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a stiff dough.

Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Stir down the dough. Spoon the dough into a greased 1 1/2 quart round baking dish.

Bake for 40 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Makes 1 loaf.

• You can vary this cheese bread with the choice of herbs and cheese you use. Try basil and oregano in the same amounts indicated in the recipe and add a touch of parmesan cheese.
• An older, strong cheddar works really well in this recipe as it adds lots of flavor.
• Try grated swiss cheese for a delicate flavor.