Asiago Cheese Bread, Excellent

Ingredients

• 3 3/4 cups flour
• 1 (2 1/2 ounce) envelope dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut up
• 1 1/4 cups asiago cheese, shredded
• 1 large egg

Directions

1. 1

   In large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups of the flour, yeast, salt and pepper. Melt butter in milk to 120-130 degrees. Stir milk mixture into flour mix until smooth. Stir in 1 cup cheese.

2. 2

   Gradually stir in about 2 cups flour to make soft dough. Knead in mixer or by hand until smooth and elastic, adding flour if needed.

3. 3

   Oil large bowl, add dough, turn to coat. Cover with clean damp towel and let double. (It may take 2-1/2 hours, must be the cheese.)

4. 4

   Punch down, form into 2 long thin loaves. Spray baking sheet, (sprinkled with cornmeal?) Or use baguette pans. Place loaves on pan, let raise, covered, until doubled (45 min.) Preheat oven to 375.

5. 5

   Slash dough with serrated knife. Brush with lightly beaten egg and sprinkle top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. (basil, parsley, opt.) Bake 30-35 minutes till done. Cool on rack.