Jul/Yule Bread
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons honey
1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 cup warm water (Body temp)
1 teaspoon water
1 large egg
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided (about 10 1/2 ounces)
1 cup whole wheat flour (about 4 3/4 ounces)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (leave out if you’re not making it for humans)
1 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds.
Cooking spray
Directions:
Dissolve honey and yeast in 1 cup of warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Combine 1 teaspoon of water and the egg, stirring well with a whisk. Place 1 tablespoon egg mixture in a small bowl. Cover and chill. Add the remaining egg mixture to the yeast mixture.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of whole wheat flour, salt, and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds to the yeast mixture; stir to form a soft dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of the remaining all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands (dough may feel sticky).
Place the dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (20°c ), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into the dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.)
Punch the dough down; cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Divide the dough into three. Working with one portion at a time, roll each portion into a 12-inch rope on a lightly floured surface. Plait ropes together, and pinch ends to seal in a circle.
Place dough in an 8-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 190°c.
Uncover the dough. Brush reserved egg mixture over loaf, and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds. Bake at 190°c for 30 minutes or until the loaf is browned on the bottom and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.
Recipe courtesy of Cailleachs Herbarium.com
