Miraval Resort and Spa Herbed Garlic Scented Bread

In a large mixer bowl add the water, yeast, salt and honey and mix well. Then add the oil, herbs and garlic. Allow 5 minutes for the yeast to activate.

Add half of the whole wheat flour to the yeast mixture. Mix by hand or with the bread hook of a mixer. Continue to add a little flour at a time until all is incorporated onto the bowl. Continue kneading until the dough is no longer sticky, this should take about 7 to 8 minutes. The dough should be a little tacky but never sticky.

Divide the dough in half. Massage to form two free-form loaves, or punch them into two 9" X 5" X 3" or equivalent loaf pans. Let rise to double in size, about 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place the loaves in the center of your preheated oven and bake 40 to 50 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Test by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of each loaf and, if it comes out clean, your bread is ready. Remove from the oven, take the bread out of the pans and set on a rack to cool before slicing. This bread will keep 3 to 4 days in an air-tight container. When wrapped air-tight with plastic film it freezes well for 2 months.

Recipe Source: Miraval Resort and Spa, Catalina, AZ