Sweet Almond Raisin Bread
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoon milk, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 egg
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons butter, melted for brushing
A simple, European style breakfast bread that makes awesome French toast.
Directions
Combine all the ingredients except the almost and raisins in the bowl of a mixer and knead until smooth, shiny and elastic, 8-10 minutes.
Remove the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover and set aside 20 minutes.
Knead in the almonds and raisins by hand. Return dough to the bowl, cover, and set aside until doubled in volume.
Once the dough has risen, divide into two equal portions. Shape each into loaves and place in 9"-by-5" loaf pans. Cover and set aside to proof.
When the dough has crested the tops of the pans, bake in the oven at 375F until golden brown and hollow sounding, about 35 minutes.
Remove from pans and cool completely. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic and store in a cool place.
Additional Notes
Soft, rich, and sweet, this is a bread I usually make for Sunday morning breakfasts. It is sweet and plump with fruit, so when served with butter, it makes an excellent light start to the day to tide you over until the large, afternoon dinner/brunch. It also makes great French toast, and better yet, old loaves practically beg to be made into a quick and effortless bread pudding.
