Courtesy of KitchenAid

Last week, we celebrated Baker’s Day and I don’t know anyone who can resist bread. Of course, it’s much quicker to stop by the supermarket and buy your favorite sweet or savory loaf. However, have you ever asked yourself: What are the benefits of baking bread from home? Here are a few:

·         Better Ingredients

By selecting your own ingredients such as the flour, milk, etc. We’re sure you’ll bake a much higher quality loaf. Homemade bread can also offer more nutrients and less additives than commercially manufactured bread. If you suffer from allergies or intolerances, you can substitute or change ingredients for others. The result will be specific to your wants and needs.

·         Sugar-free or low in sodium

Sometimes it’s difficult to find a bread that’s affordable and doesn’t taste bland, as those with packed-in flavor are usually expensive. By baking this food staple at home, you can choose substitutes or the right quantity of ingredients to finally find a loaf that’s nutritious and part of a balanced diet.

·         Aroma

As if the above benefits weren’t enough, the comforting and inviting aroma of freshly baked bread should be enough of a reason to immediately try making this recipe. Your family will thank you.

Inspired by the delicious traditional Jewish loaf, the experts at KitchenAid share a simple recipe to prepare in celebration:

6 portions

Ingredients:

·         1 teaspoon instant yeast

·         150 ml (1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons) water, at body temperature (if you dip your finger in, you shouldn’t feel a temperature difference)

·         250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour

·         1 teaspoon fine sea salt

·         3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing

·         200 grams (7 ounces) fresh goat cheese

·         20 grams (1 cup, loosely packed) mixed fresh herbs (such as flat-leaf parsley, chervil, basil, mint, chives), roughly chopped

 

Instructions

·         In a bowl, combine the yeast with the water and stir to dissolve. Allow to stand for 10 minutes, until a thin foamy layer forms at the surface. If it doesn’t, start again with a fresh packet of yeast.

·         Put the flour, salt, and olive oil in the bowl of the KitchenAid® Artisan® Mini Stand Mixer fitted with the dough hook.

·         Add in the yeast and water, and knead at medium speed for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

·         Cover with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.

·         In a bowl, mash the herbs and the goat cheese together with a fork.

·         Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Stretch it with your hands to form a rough 40-cm (16-inch) square. Spread the goat cheese mixture onto the square, leaving a 5-cm (2-inch) margin on the left-hand side.

·         Roll up the dough snugly starting from the right-hand side. Place the roll on a cookie sheet or a tray, and place it in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up.

·         Slice the roll in two lengthwise to get two long “ropes”. Pinch the ropes together on one end, then braid the two ropes together, keeping their cut sides up.

·         Transfer the braided dough to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

·         Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the babka for 35 to 40 minutes, until risen and golden brown.

SOURCE:

JeffreyGroup | Marketing and Corporate Communications

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