Breads Recipes - Walnut Bread

Ingredients

• Makes one loaf

• 420g/15oz/3 Cups wholemeal flour

• 140g/5oz strong flour

• 12.5ml salt

• 500ml lukewarm water

• 15ml clear honey

• 15ml active dried yeast

• 140g/5oz/1 cup walnut pieces, plus more to   decorate

• 1 beaten egg, to glaze

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Method:

1. Combine the flours and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and add 250ml/8fl oz/1 cup of the water, the honey and the yeast. Set aside until the mixture is frothy.

2. Add the remaining water. With a wooden spoon, stir from the centre, incorporating flour with each turn, to obtain a smooth dough. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky and use your hands if the dough becomes too stiff to stir.

3. Transfer to a floured board and knead, adding flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl and roll the dough around in the bowl to coat thoroughly on all sides. Cover with a plastic bag and leave in a warm place until doubled in volume. Punch down the dough and knead in the walnuts evenly.

4. Grease a baking sheet. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place on the baking sheet. Press in walnut pieces to decorate the top. Cover loosely with a damp cloth and leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 25-30 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 220'C/425'F/Gas 7. With a sharp knife, score the top. Brush with the beaten egg. Bake for  5 minutes. Lower the heat to 190'C/375'F/Gas 5 and bake until the base sounds hollow when tapped, about 40 minutes. Cool on a rack.