Italian Herb Braid - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 3/4 - 3 1/4 cups bread flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 ounce fast rise yeast
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup milk

Preparation

In large bowl, mix 1 1/4 C flour, sugar, yeast, oregano, thyme and salt.
In another bowl, combine water, butter and milk.
Microwave until 130 degrees f. Gradually add to dry ingredients.
Beat 2 minutes at medium, then 2 minutes on high.
With spoon, stir in enough flour to make soft elastic dough. Knead in adequate flour so that the dough is not sticky. (About 4 minutes.)
Divide dough into thirds and roll each into a 24\" rope.
Braid three ropes and tuck ends under.
Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Place on greased baking sheet over a shallow pan half full of boiling water. Cover and let rise 25 minutes.
Bake at 400 for 25 minutes.
Cool on rack.