Salam Aidilfitri and happy holidays!

I'm having a not-so-fun holidays as I have to cancel my trip to Thailand because I'm down with flu and sore throat. Let's not dwell in my unsuccessful trip to Thailand but check out my freshly baked Italian Herbs Loaf!
This bread reminds me of those served at Italiannies...yum! Many years ago when I first dined in Italiannies I was impressed with their Herbs Infused Olive Oil. Since then I've been making my own Herbs Infused Olive Oil and believe me it is really easy to make one yourself.

To make your own Herbs Infused Olive Oil - you will need a brand new bottle of olive oil (250ml) and some Italian herbs. Pour the Italian herbs (about 4 tbsp) into the olive oil. Close the olive oil cap and let it sit for a week before using it for more herbs flavor to be infused in the oil.

This homemade Italian Herbs Infused Olive Oil is very versatile as you can use it for your regular cooking - great for bread dipping (with Balsamic vinegar), cooking pasta and stir-frying mushroom.

I used the Italian herbs infused olive oil in this recipe for a more richer taste of Italian herbs, alternatively you can use regular olive oil.

Italian Herbs Loaf

240gm Milk (you can also use water instead of milk)
30gm Olive Oil (I used my homemade Italian Herbs Infused Olive Oil)
1/2 tsp Salt
30gm Sugar
375gm Bread Flour
1 1/2 tsp Dried Italian Herbs
1 1/4 tsp Instant Yeast

Topping (optional):
Olive Oil (for brushing, again I used Italian Herbs Infused Olive Oil)
Coarse Salt
Ground Black Pepper

Directions:

• Place all the ingredients in the bucket following the order given in your manufacturer's instructions, or in the order listed here. 
• Set the machine for Basic setting and 1.5lbs size, and set the Crust/Color to Light. 
• Just before the machine start to bake (when the dough has finished proofing), brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle over with coarse salt and ground black pepper. 
   
   
    
  
• Once done, turn the loaf out onto a wire rack as soon as possible. Let it cool completely before slicing the bread.