Herbed Italian Loaf

1 ¼ cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 ½ cups high-gluten bread flour

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried basil

2 tablespoons water

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

Place warm water, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, flour and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.

Most machines have a beep toward the end of their cycle that allows you to add additional ingredients. Sprinkle in oregano and basil at this time.

When machine s Dough cycle has ended, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into an oval or round loaf. Place loaf on a baking sheet that has been well greased with olive oil. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons water with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut three slits on top of bread. Brush entire loaf with salt water mixture and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped. This bread will be hard when it comes out of the oven. Let sit 10 minutes to soften before cutting.