1 long French loaf
1/4 c. butter, room temperature
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature
2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
1 tbsp. dried leaf thyme, marjoram or basil
Salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut bread in half lengthwise; spread cut surfaces with butter.

2. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese with herbs until thoroughly combined; season with salt and pepper. Spread cheese mixture on buttered bread, dividing it equally between each half.

3. Put loaf back together again, wrap in foil. Place directly on oven rack in preheated oven.

4. Bake 10 minutes. Open foil wrapping, bake 5 minutes or until loaf is crisp and cheese is hot. Remove from oven; discard foil.

5. Cut loaf into thick slices and place in a bread basket. Serve immediately. Makes 12-14 slices.