Ingredients
6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast2 tablespoons sugar1 teaspoon salt2-1/4 cups water3/4 cup butter, softened, dividedFILLING:1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese2 tablespoons minced chives2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes1 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon dried savory1/2 teaspoon dried thymeCornmeal
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the water and 1/4 cup butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll each piece into a 18x15-in. rectangle. Spread remaining butter over dough to within 1/2 in. of edges. In a small bowl, combine first six filling ingredients; sprinkle over butter. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal and tuck ends under.
Place seam side down on two ungreased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. With a sharp knife, make four or five slashes across top of each loaf; sprinkle with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°; bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pans to wire racks. Serve warm or cold.
