Garlic Herb Loaf

INGREDIENTS
1 French stick loaf
For the herb butter
75g (3oz) butter, at room temperature
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley and chives, with a little tarragon and thyme if available), or 1½ teaspoons dried mixed herbs
METHOD
Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 6, 400 (200C). First, mix the
butter, garlic and herbs together.
Using a sharp knife, make diagonal incisions along the loaf, as if you were slicing it - but not slicing right through. The loaf should stay joined at the base.
Now spread each slice with butter on both sides (it's easiest to do this with your hands) and spread any remaining herb butter along the top and sides of the loaf.
Wrap the loaf in foil and bake it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, and serve hot.
Or, if you have the space, you could heat it through by placing it on the barbecue, turning it over several times.
Extracted from Delia's Complete Cookery Course by Delia Smith, published by BBC Books