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angieq327 posted an update
a week ago (edited)
#Bread Challenge
I have prepared a poppy seed plait with my own twist to it. My inspiration comes from within me. I have always loved baking, even as a child. I love the look on the face of family and friends when they see what I have baked and can hardly wait to taste. Baking is a science, we take different ingredients, mix them together in special ways and something wonderful will hopefully come out.
For this bread I used Anna Napoletana unbleached 00 flour. Using my hands to mix the dough allowed me to feel the softness it was developing while I kneaded it.
My own twist was adding roasted garlic and sesame seeds. I kneaded the garlic with the foamed butter. Along with the poppy seeds I added some sesame seeds.
I think the hardest part of this recipe is the foaming of the butter, making sure not to brown it. But taking my time and allowing the process to go at its own pace got me what I wanted.
The making of the honey foam for the yeast activation was simple. I placed all-purpose flour, honey, dry yeast and milk into a measuring cup. I allowed it to sit in my oven set on proofing for about 15-20 minutes. It came out beautifully, a nice foam on top, a true fermentation. Then by hand I mixed my flour and salt. Made a hole in the middle of the flour mixture and poured the foam activation in. I started to mix and added the eggs, foam butter and roasted garlic and milk as needed. Turned it out onto the table with a bit of flour and kneaded it just a few minutes. I returned it to the bowl and allowed it to sit in my oven proofing for one hour. After the hour the dough had doubled in size. I turned it onto the table kneaded just a few times and divided it into 6 parts. Rolled out each part into strips and braided three strips, and then braided the other 3 strips and placed one on top of the other. Brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with poppy and sesame. Allowed it to rise again for 1 hour and now ready to bake at 180 Celsius for 25 minutes to 1 hour. What a beautiful bread. Perfect sound when I tap it, a true test for great home baked bread.
I am not a professional baker. Just an at-home mom who loves to bake.
