BUBBLE LOAF WITH HERBS

1 pkg active dry yeast
1/3 cup warm water
1 cup milk, scalded
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp butter or margarine
2 tsp salt
4 to 4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 eggs
melted butter
1 tsp dried marjoram leaves
1/2 tsp each dried thyme leaves and dried parsley

In large bowl, combine yeast and water. Let stand 5 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, butter and salt. Heat until butter melts. Stir into yeast mixture. Add 1 cup flour. Beat until elastic. Add eggs. Gradually stir in enough flour to make stiff dough, about 2 1/2 more cups.
On a floured surface, knead dough for 15 minutes. Place in greased bowl. Turn to coat top. Cover. Let rise until doubled.

Punch down. Divide in half. Cut 1 half into 8 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Dipp each ball into melted butter.

In greased 9 by 5 inch loaf pan, place balls side by side in 2 rows. Sprinkle with herbs. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover. Let rise in warm place 45 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees F until golden, 45 to 55 minutes. Reemove from pan. Cool on rack.

VARIATIONS:
Use any of the following herb combinations:
- 1/2 tsp each dried sage and savory leaves
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp anise seeds, 1 tsp sesame seeds and 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves.

Serves 8