Mrs Doyle's recipe: Flavored Sweet Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar (plus 1 teaspoon for yeast)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots) or 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for added flavor)
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
- Prepare Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the honey, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the yeast mixture to the butter mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- If using dried fruit or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough during the last few minutes of kneading.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise:
- Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller portions if you prefer individual rolls.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze:
- While the bread is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Cool and Glaze:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and enjoy your delicious flavored sweet bread with a cup of tea or coffee!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different flavorings or mix-ins to suit your taste.
