White Sage Bread

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup lukewarm water
• 1 egg
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Crushed roasted pinons or coarse kosher salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine flour, sage, salt and baking soda.
2. Dissolve yeast in the lukewarm water.
3. In a food processor, blend egg and cottage cheese until smooth.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and the yeast water. Mix again, then transfer to a large bowl.
5. Gradually add flour mixture, kneading vigorously after each addition, until a stiff dough is formed. Cover with a dry cloth and let rest in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough and knead it on a lightly floured surface, about 4 minutes.
7. Divide the dough in half and shape each part into a ball. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet, cover with a dry cloth, and let rise 15 minutes more.
8. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
9. Bake the bread for about 40 minutes, until well risen, golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
10. Brush the top with remaining butter and sprinkle with crushed roasted pinons (pine nuts) or coarse salt, if desired.