A BASIC SAVORY BREAD

"Love smoked Gouda? Love fennel? See how they taste together in a bread! Choose one or a combination of flavors from the optional ingredients."

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS:
3/4 teaspoon dried basil, thyme, or sage, crushed, or 1 tablespoon snipped fresh basil, thyme, or sage
2 tablespoons snipped dried tomatoes (not oil--packed) or dried cranberries, currants, or dark raisins*
1 teaspoon anise, cumin, dill, fennel, or caraway seed, toasted
2/3 cup mashed, cooked sweet potato or winter squash, or canned pumpkin**
1 cup shredded Swiss, smoked cheddar, smoked Gouda, or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers***
1/4 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, macadamia nuts, or almonds
FOR THE BREAD:
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon margarine, butter, shortening, or cooking oil
3 cups bread flour or 2 cups bread flour plus 1 cup whole wheat flour
4 teaspoons sugar or honey
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon active dry yeast or bread machine yeast

Select one or more of the Seasoning Options. Add the ingredients to a 1 1/2 or 2-pound machine according to the manufacturer's directions. Select the basic white bread cycle, or, if using whole wheat flour, select the whole grain cycle, if available. Select desired color setting.

*Note: Do not use dried apricots or other dried fruit treated with sulfur.

**Note: If using sweet potato, squash, or pumpkin, omit milk and increase water to 2/3 cup.

***Note: If using cheese, reduce milk to 2/3 cup and add 1 egg.

Makes 16 servings
Adapted from source: Better Homes and Gardens