Christmas is (almost) here. Time goes by so quickly when you’re having fun isn’t it. This assignment from KBB came right on time for christmas baking. The not so sweet bread with it’s rich texture added from the chopped peel and sultanas give pleasant taste despite the somewhat chewy texture. I would say that you [...]]]>

Christmas is (almost) here. Time goes by so quickly when you’re having fun isn’t it. This assignment from KBB came right on time for christmas baking. The not so sweet bread with it’s rich texture added from the chopped peel and sultanas give pleasant taste despite the somewhat chewy texture. I would say that you should savour this Italian bread along with some butter spread on your christmas morning.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cakes of fresh baker’s yeast (I used instant yeast 1 sachet 11 gr)

– 65 ml (1/4 cup) sugar

– 6 tbsp. warm water – 6 egg yolks

– Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

– A pinch of salt

– 500-750 ml (2-3 cups) flour (I used all purpose flour)

– 100 ml (6 tbsp.) diced candied peel

– 100 g (6 tbsp.) + 2 tbsp.butter

– 4 tbsp. sultanas

– 4 tbsp. currants (Didn’t use this)

– 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

– Sprinkle 1 tbsp. granulated sugar and the yeast over the warm milk and let sit 3 minutes; mix and let rest in a warm draft-free place (e.g., a warm oven that has been turned off) until the mixture has doubled in volume, approximately 5 minutes.

– Pour the mixture into a bowl, add in the egg yolks, vanilla, lemon zest, salt and remaining sugar; gradually mix in 500 ml (2 c.) of the flour by hand until a smooth consistency is attained – the dough should easily come together into a ball.

– Gradually add the butter cut into small dice and beat until the dough becomes smoother and more elastic; add 125 to 250 ml (1/2 to 1 c.) more flour until the dough is firm and silky but not sticky; place the ball onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes. When the dough is smooth and shiny, place into a buttered bowl; dust lightly with flour, cover with a kitchen towel and place in a warm draft-free place for about 45 minutes until doubled in volume.

– Punch down the dough firmly with your fist and flatten it out in the bowl; add the candied lemon peel, raisins and currants and knead until well distributed but without working the dough more than necessary; line a large bread pan with brown paper that has been well buttered on both sides; place the dough in the pan and trace a cross on top; – Cover with buttered paper and let rise again in a warm place for 15 minutes; remove the paper from the top; brush the top with softened butter.

Baking :

– Preheat the oven to 200°C (400° F)

– Place the bread pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes

– Reduce the oven temperature to 160° C (350° F) and continue baking for another 30 to 40 minutes, brushing again with melted butter; the bread is done when the surface is golden and crispy

– Remove from the oven; remove the paper and let cool for 15 minutes before unmolding.

Source : The World Wide Gourmet