Buttermilk-Herb Bread

Ingredients

• 2 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 1/2 cups warm buttermilk (105 to 115 degrees F/43 to 46 degrees C)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 (1 ounce) package dry Ranch-style dressing mix
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water. Let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.

Stir the buttermilk, egg, oil, dressing mix, and salt into the yeast mixture. Stir in 2 cups of the flour using a wooden spoon. Add remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough can be picked up out of the bowl. Knead on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Try not to add much more flour. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Press the air out of the dough, and divide into two pieces. Form into tight loaves, and place each one into a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan. Let rise until a your finger leaves a mark when lightly pressed into the dough.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake loaves for about 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. When finished, the loaves should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.