Figs and Almond Panettone: A Festive Italian Delight

Panettone with Figs and Almonds
Category: Yeast-Raised Pastries
Serves: 2 loaves

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Flavoring:
   Begin by preparing the aromatic mixture for the panettone. In a bowl, pour in the acacia honey. Pluck the thyme leaves off their stems and add them to the honey. Slice open the vanilla bean pod and scrape out the seeds, then add them to the mixture. Stir in the melted butter while it is still warm. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature to infuse the flavors.

2. Prepare the First Dough:
   In a separate bowl, place the Manitoba flour and crumble in the fresh yeast. Use a spoon to mix until it forms a loose, soft dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour. Once it has risen, place the bowl in the refrigerator to rest for 8-12 hours.

3. Prepare the Second Dough:
   The following day, dissolve the yeast in a jug of room-temperature water, using a fork to help it dissolve. Add the sugar and the water with the yeast to your stand mixer. Mix it briefly using the hook attachment. Add the egg yolk and mix for another minute. Gradually incorporate the butter, piece by piece, mixing for 5-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should also cling to the hook as it mixes.

4. Shape the Dough:
   Once mixed, form the dough into a ball by gathering the edges and pinching them underneath. Place the ball of dough in a clean bowl and allow it to rise until it doubles in size. When this happens, move on to the next stage of mixing.

5. Prepare the Third Dough:
   Dissolve the yeast in a jug of room-temperature water, then add it to your mixer with the flour. Add the sugar, followed by the risen dough from the previous step. Gradually add the butter, mixing in small portions. Let the mixer work the dough for 5-6 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic again, and the dough has fully incorporated all the ingredients. Shape the dough into a ball once more.

6. Mix in the Almonds and Figs:
   Chopped almonds and figs are essential additions to this panettone. Gently fold them into the dough by hand once it has been mixed and is still slightly soft. Allow the mixer to work the dough for an additional 3 minutes, then remove the dough from the machine.

7. Final Rest and Shaping:
   Lightly grease your work surface and divide the dough into two portions, each weighing approximately 1150g. Roll both portions into tight, smooth balls by gathering the edges underneath and forming a round shape. Transfer the balls to panettone molds (the large, low cardboard pans for this type of bread) and allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free space for approximately 3 hours. To help this process along, you can place a small bowl of hot water in the oven and keep the door slightly ajar, creating a warm, humid environment for the dough to rise.

8. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). To prevent the tops of the panettoni from browning too quickly, place a baking sheet in the oven on the top rack. This will help shield the panettoni during baking.

9. Bake the Panettoni:
   Once the panettoni have risen sufficiently, score the tops with a sharp knife in a cross pattern. Add a few small dollops of butter to the center of each cross. Bake the panettoni in the preheated oven for approximately 75 minutes, or until golden brown. To check for doneness, use a kitchen thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the panettone reaches 92°C (198°F).

10. Cool the Panettoni:
    When the panettoni are fully baked, carefully remove them from the oven and insert skewers through the bottom of each loaf. This is a traditional method to prevent the panettone from collapsing as it cools. Let the panettoni cool completely before slicing and enjoying the sweet, aromatic flavors of figs and almonds!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Enjoy the warm, festive flavors of this panettone, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet, indulgent treat any time of the year. The combination of figs and almonds adds a delightful texture and depth of flavor that will surely impress anyone you share it with!