Saturday, 2 April 2016

Cinnamon swirl raisin bread


There has always been something therapeutic about baking, about making bread. Baking isn't all about the frivolous; research has shown that this activity can be a crucial therapy that helps thousands of people suffering from depression.


It is more than just indulging in the final product - there is something reassuring and soothing about the entire ritual.


Some people think it is in the kneading process. I like watching the dough rise and getting all poofy.

Try it on one of those "down" days, maybe this will make you feel better. :)


What?
  • 1/2 cup milk, lukewarm 
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 7g easy bake yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 1/8 cup brown sugar
  • 1/8 cup caster sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 40 g butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup raisins 
  • 3 cups plain flour  
For the cinnamon filling:
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1/4 cup caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

How?
  1. Dissolve the yeast in warm water. Mix in the egg, brown sugar, caster sugar, salt, butter and raisins. 
  2. Stir in the milk.
  3. Add the flour gradually until a dough is formed. (It will be a little sticky!) Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes.
  4. Lightly grease a mixing bowl (I used olive oil) and turn the dough around in the bowl to coat the dough surface with oil.
  5. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and allow the dough to rise until doubled - this takes about 1-1.5 hours.
  6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 thick (and roughly the 9" length wise). This can be done on a lightly floured surface. (I used a cling film instead!)
  7. Prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing together the caster sugar and cinnamon. Spread a tablespoon of milk onto the rolled out surface of the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on the top. 
  8. Roll up the dough lengthwise tightly and pinch the bottom together.
  9. Place the loaf into a greased loaf pan (pinched end facing down). Leave to rise, uncovered, for about 1 hour.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 175 degC for 30 minutes, or until the loaf is lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped.
  11. Leave the bread to cool before slicing. 

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