Honey Walnut Artisan French Bread

Honey Walnut Artisan French Bread combines the sweetness of honey with the nutty flavor of walnuts, creating a delightful twist on traditional French bread. Here’s a recipe for making it:

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and chopped walnuts. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough:
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.
4. First rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the bread:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Second rise:
   Cover the shaped loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it puffs up slightly.
7. Preheat the oven:
   While the bread is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. Prepare the topping:
   In a small bowl, mix together the honey and chopped walnuts for the topping.
9. Bake the bread:
   Once the bread has finished its second rise, brush the top with the honey and walnut mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool and serve:
    Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Honey Walnut Artisan French Bread!

This bread is perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or simply enjoying on its own with a smear of butter.