Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

This is a great holiday bread (as well as for any other time of the year).

1 1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup dough starter
1 tsp yeast
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tbsp orange zest
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup all purpose flour
2 cups bread flour
1 cup dried cranberries

Mix the first 6 ingredients. Add the cranberries and then the flour. Knead just until it comes together. Allow the dough to rise 2 hrs then fold it over itself. let rise another 1 1/2 hrs and fold it over again. Repeat this once more. On a lightly floured surface shape the dough into 2 round loafs. Place them on a greased baking pan and let them rise until doubled. Bake at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes. Enjoy!

From the Archives: Cross Buns (Just in time for Easter)

Easter is almost here so I thought I'd post a recipe for the traditional easter bun. I don't vary much from tradition, but feel free to add sultanas, or chocolate chips in place of the raisins or to add your favorite nut.

1/2 cup warm milk,1/2 cup warm water (you may use all milk for more richness)
1 whole egg and one yolk
1/4 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup vegetable oil (you may use all one or the other)
1 package yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 to 1 tsp cinnamon

Mix these ingredients together. Then add...

1 1/2 cups raisins
3 1/2 to 4 cups of flour (enough to make a soft but not sticky doough)

Knead for 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl and let rise 2 hrs. Punch it down. Form dough into a long snake and then cut it into peices- size depending on how big you want your buns. Shape into balls and place on a baking sheet with an inch and a half between them. flatten then slightly. Let them rise an hour (if they touch dont worry). Brush each bun with an egg wash (beaten egg and a tsp of water). Take a knife and press a cross into each bun, then bake until golden brown at 375.

While the buns are baking prepare the frosting by mixing 2 tbsp each of softened butter and cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla, and 2 tbsp milk.

When the buns have cooled slightly pipe the frosting onto them in the shape of a cross. Serve warm with butter. Enjoy!

Panettone Recipe: French Toast

Panettone is an Italian sweet bread from Milan. It is a staple at Christmas. While good by itself, it makes phenomenal French toast. I had the pleasure of eating some panettone French toast this morning with panettone I made myself. Here's how.

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
1 cup warm water
1 tsp salt
1 package yeast
2 whole eggs
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil or melted butter
1 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dark raisins
1/2 cup candied citron
1 tbsp orange or lemon zest

Mix water, yeast, salt, sugar, eggs, and oil. Add flour and other ingredients to form a wet sticky dough. In a stand mixer mix the dough for 5 minutes. Let dough rise in a greased bowl for 3 hrs. If you want a tall panettone you will need a special tall pan or clean coffee can lined with parchment. If not use a regular loaf pan or deep round casserole pan well greased and lined with parchment. After dough has risen transfer it to the pans filling them no more than half way. Let the dough rise however long it takes for it to reach the top of the pan. Bake at 375 until well browned about 30-40 min depending on the size of your pan.

After the panettone was cooled I cut it into 1/2 in slices and proceeded to make the French toast. I use a ratio of approximately 1 egg to 1/4 cup milk to 1 1/2 tbsp sugar for my French toast custard as well as some cinnamon and vanilla for flavoring.  

Let's Not do Fruit Cake This Christmas... Let's do Fruit Bread

2 1/2 cup bread flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour (mixed with 1 tsp vital wheat gluten)
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp yeast
1/2 cup dough starter
1 tsp salt
1- 1 1/2 cups of dried fruits (I used chopped dates and raisins)
1/2- 3/4 cup walnuts

Mix water, starter, yeast, honey, sugar, and salt. Add flours, fruit, and nuts. Mix until dough comes together. It should be soft and slightly sticky. Do not knead. Instead use the slow rise method. Let the dough rise for 8 hrs folding it over over itself every 2 hrs. After the last rise don't fold it. Gently form it into two round loafs and placed on a greased baking. Let them rise 1 1/2 hrs in a warm place. Score the top of each loaf and bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 min. Enjoy!

Hearty Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Cinnamon raisin bread is good! But not necessarily good for you. This recipe hopes to change that. It makes one loaf.

1 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 package yeast
2 cups bread flour
1 cup whole whet flour
1 1/2 tsp vital wheat gluten
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon mixed with 1 tbsp sugar

Combine 1st 5 ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the next 4 ingredients and knead to form a smooth elastic dough. Place in a greased bowl and let rise until fully doubled. Remove from the bowl and place on worktop. Shape dough into a rectangle that is the same width as the loaf pan you will be baking it in, and 1 in thick. Spread the raisins out over the dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over it. Roll the dough into a log tightly and then squeeze the ends. Place in a greased loaf pan and let rise until it is just above the rime of the pan. Bake on 375 degrees for 40 min. This makes great toast with cinnamon sugar and butter, or cinnamon raisin french toast. mmmm fiber.