Country Ham Bread Recipe

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the buttermilk, egg, sugar, butter, pepper, salt, cayenne, 1 cup cornmeal and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Beat in ham. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into a round loaf. Sprinkle two greased 9-in. round baking pans with remaining cornmeal. Place loaves in prepared pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks.
4. In a small bowl, beat the butter, chives, parsley, lemon juice and pepper. Serve with bread. Store ham bread and herb butter in the refrigerator. Yield: 2 loaves (2/3 cup butter).