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Orange and Currant Bread:

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup scalded milk
  • 1/3 cup butter soft
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 3 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • 3 - 3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon orange rind
  • 1 cup currants

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Method

In a saucepan pour in the milk and bring to a scald. Pour scalded milk into a large bowl and allow to cool. While the milk is cooling, pour the eggs, butter, sugar and orange extract into another bowl. Beat with an electric mixer till the mixture becomes foamy and well blended; about 3 minutes. Now, add a cup and a half of flour to the lukewarm milk. Add in the yeast, salt and orange rind. Mix with a wooden spoon till well mixed and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Pour the egg and butter mixture into the flour mixture. and mix with a wooden spoon. Add in the currants and mix. Start to add in the rest of the flour slowly and knead for 8 minutes. Add just enough flour to make the dough workable. Pour a little oil into a clean bowl and place the kneaded dough into the bowl. Turn over a few time to lightly coat all sides of the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest till the dough doubles in bulk; about 1 hour. Pour out the rested dough and cut in half. Roll the dough into 2 round balls. Place onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest for another hour or till double in bulk. Before baking take a pair of scissors and just snip the top and sides of the dough. Brush with the egg wash and place into a 375 degree oven for 25 - 30 minutes or till golden brown and when tapped on the bottom the bread sounds hollow. Place onto a wire rack to cool.