Instructions: Preparation Time: 30-45 min., plus 2-1/2 hours for dough to rise

Baking Time: About 40 min.

Storage time: Up to 1 day at room temperature; up to 1 month in freezer

Prepare chile puree of your choice and set aside.

In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water and let stand for about 5 min. to soften. Meanwhile, in a 2- to 4-cup pan, heat milk and butter to 110 degrees F. Add to yeast along with salt, sugar, chile puree, and 2 c. of the flour, stirring to blend well.

Stir in 1-1/2 c. more flour until moistened, then beat vigorously until dough forms long, stretchy strands (about 10 min.). With a dough hook, knead in 1 to 1-1/2 c. more flour (or knead it in by hand on a floured board).

Place dough in a greased bowl and turn to grease top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1-1/2 hours).

Punch dough down and knead briefly on a floured board to release air. Shape into a smooth loaf and place in a greased 5- by 9-inch loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until dough has risen 1-1/2 inches above pan rim (about 1 hour).

Bake in a 375 degree oven until golden brown (about 40 min.). Turnout onto a rack and let cool completely. Wrap airtight; store at room temperature for up to 1 day, in a freezer for up to 1 month.

Makes 1 loaf.

Green Chile Puree: In a blender or food processor, whirl 1 can

(7 oz.) diced green chiles just until smooth. You should have 3/4 c. For hotter flavor, add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper.

Red Chile Puree: In a 1-1//2- to 2-quart pan, combine 2 oz.

(about 6 large) dried red New Mexico or California chiles (stems and seeds removed) with 1-1/2 c. water. Cover and simmer until chiles are very soft (about 15 min.). In a blender or food processor, whirl chiles with 1 to 2 tb. of the cooking liquid until pureed (add more liquid if necessary). You should have about 1/2 c. puree. For hotter flavor, stir in 1 tb. crushed dried hot red chiles.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.