Instructions: In a large mixing bowl stir together 2 cups of the flour and the yeast; set aside.

In a medium saucepan heat and stir milk, sugar, margarine or butter, and salt just until warm (120 to 130 degrees) and margarine almost melts. Add milk mixture to dry mixture along with the two eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in cheese, snipped chives, and as much of the remaining flour as you can.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape the dough into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn once. Cover; let rise in a warm place about 1 hour or until dough is double in size.

Pinch dough down. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 4 portions. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease 2 baking sheets.

Shape dough by gently pulling each portion of the dough into a 10 x 4 1/2 inch rectangle. Place on prepared baking sheets. In a small bowl, stir together egg white and water. Brush loaves with egg white mixture.

To decorate the loaves:
Gently press green onion into one loaf. Arrange leek slices on a second loaf. Place several whole chives on a third loaf. Top remaining loaf with parsley sprigs. Gently brush onion, chives, leeks, and parsley with olive oil to prevent them from drying out. Cover and let rise in a warm place until dough is nearly double in size (about 45 minutes).

Preheat oven to 375F. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden. (If necessary, cover loosely with foil the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.) Remove from baking sheets; cool on wire racks.

Makes 4 loaves (16 servings)

Description: "A handmade bread shimmering with fresh garden herbs."
Yield: 4 baguettes
Start to Finish Time:
"3:15"

NOTES : The photo of these loaves shows the fresh herbs pressed onto the top of the breads. A spring or summer treat!

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