[ID: First image is circular loaf of bread with multiple groups of lines circling in towards the center; second image is a cross-section of the same loaf, showing cranberries. End ID]
Braided loaf with candied orange peel, cranberries, and thyme
This is an unenriched bread with a well-developed crust and a tight crumb. Inclusions of candied orange peel and cranberry add sweetness and tartness, which thyme backs up with a hint of woodsy complexity. The loaf itself is a showstopper, with the sugar surrounding the translucent orange peel glistening at the surface, and the vibrant contrast of cranberry and thyme swirling throughout the braided wreath.
This recipe and technique can be combined with any other combination of dried fruit, nut, or woodsy herb you can imagine.
Recipe under the cut!
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Ingredients:
Makes one large loaf.
3 1/2 cups (540g) bread flour
2 tsp active dry yeast
2 tsp table salt
About 1 1/4 cup (355mL) water
1/3 cup (65g) dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened, to taste)
1/3 cup (65) candied orange peel, diced (or mixed peel)
4 Tbsp non-dairy margarine, softened
2 Tbsp fresh thyme
Instructions:
1. Mix flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add water until dough comes together into a soft, non-sticky dough.
2. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Place dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl and cover. Allow to rise until doubled in size, 1-2 hours.
4. Roll dough out into a rectangle of about 12 x 16" (30 x 40cm) and sprinkle orange peel and cranberries over the surface. Fold the dough in thirds like an envelope, pressing to seal around the inclusions.
5. Roll dough out again into a rectangle about the same size as before. Spread the surface of the dough with softened margarine, then top with thyme.
6. Roll dough up tightly, starting from the long side.
7. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough log in half lengthwise, leaving a small piece together at one end.
9. Twist the two halves of the dough together so that the pleats formed by rolling and cutting the dough face upwards.
9. Form the twisted rope into a circle or knot, pressing the two ends ogether to seal.
10. Transfer to a prepared baking sheet and cover. Allow to rise another 45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.
11. Bake in the middle of the oven at 350 掳F (175 掳C) for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
12. Cover the top of the dough with aluminum foil and continue cooking another 30-40 minutes, until the dough is fully cooked and the loaf sounds hollow when the bottom is tapped on.
13. Allow the loaf to cool in the open, turned-off oven, for the best crust.
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