I am a big lover of bread – any kind of bread. This blog experience has made a baker out of me. I have never really had that much success in bread making before, but the breads I have made for Amanda’s Atomic have taught me some lessons!
The French bread dough is very dense which makes it hard to knead. It takes a lot of arm strength! And you have to knead it twice! My arms were sore, but it was well worth it!
The bread itself is a typical French bread. Crusty on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.
The filling is what makes it special! I used the candied pineapple I made a few weeks ago as my dried fruit. For the nuts I used walnuts.
The filling is a bit sweet but has a big citrus punch. It transforms the French loaf into a breakfast type bread or even a weeknight dessert bread!
My husband took one of the loaves to work this morning. He told me that it was gone within the first hour of his arrival with some people coming back for a second slice.
I think this would be a great bread to make for a holiday morning. It takes a lot of work, but is special!
FESTIVE FRENCH BREAD
3 Envelopes Active Dry Yeast
2 Tablespoons Sugar
¼ Cup Warm Water
7 Cups White Flour
2 Cups Warm Water
1 Tablespoon Salt
Mix yeast, sugar and ¼ cup of warm water in mixing bowl. Let rise for 30 minutes. To the yeast mixture add 2 cups flour, 2 cups warm water and salt. Mix too make smooth. Stir in 4 cups flour. Turn out onto board, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Knead for 5 to 8 minutes, working in remaining flour. Let rise, covered, for 1 ½ hours. Punch down and let rest for 10 minutes. Knead for 5 to 8 minutes. Divide into 2 balls. Roll out onto floured board into 2 rectangles. Fill each with 1/3 c of filling. Tuck ends under. Place on a cookie sheet sprinkled with corn meal. Brush each loaf with remaining filling. Let rise, covered, for 1 hour. Bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees.
FILLING
8 ounces Cream Cheese
1 Stick Softened Butter
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Teaspoon Almond Extract
1 Cup Chopped Walnuts or Almonds
2 Tablespoons Lemon Rind
2 Tablespoons Orange Rind
2 Tablespoons Orange Juice
1 Cup Dried Fruit (Such as Golden Raisins)
4 Drops Green Food Coloring (Optional)
Mix together until butter and cream cheese are fully incorporated.
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