Savory Sage Bread

Note: This delicious herb bread was adapted from a favorite of Native Americans throughout North & South American wherever sage commonly grows.

Ingredients:

1 package (1.25 ounces) dried yeast

1/4 cup warm water

1 egg

1 cup cottage cheese

2 tablespoons shortening, melted

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons crushed, dried sage leaves (or 4 teaspoons of fresh)

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon dried dill

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast into the warm water and set aside to dissolve. In a blender or food processor, blend egg and cottage cheese till smooth.  In a large mixing bowl, combine dissolved yeast and egg/cottage cheese mixture.  Beat in melted shortening. 

In a separate bowl, combine salt, soda, sugar, flour and herbs.  Then gradually beat flour mixture into egg mixture.  Beat well after each addition until dough becomes too stiff to beat.  Knead in remaining flour till completely absorbed and mixed. 

Place dough ball in a greased bowl, cover with dry cloth and set in a warm place to rise to double in bulk (about 1 hour).  Punch down and knead vigorously 2-3 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Divide dough and shape into two rounded loaves.  Place on a greased baking sheet and let rise again to nearly double in size – covered and in a warm place. 

Bake at 350 degree for 40-45 minutes.