Apricot Yeast Bread (Bread Machine)

🍞👩‍🍳 Sure, I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed response about Apricot Yeast Bread made in a bread machine!

What is Apricot Yeast Bread?
Apricot Yeast Bread is a delightful, slightly sweet bread with the flavors of apricot. It’s a type of fruit-infused bread that is typically made using a bread machine for convenience. The key ingredient, of course, is apricots, which can be added in various forms such as dried apricots, apricot preserves, or even fresh apricots. The bread is known for its pleasant fruity aroma and a subtle hint of tartness.

History:
The history of apricot yeast bread isn’t well-documented, but fruit-infused bread recipes have been around for centuries. The use of dried or preserved fruits in bread-making was likely a way to add flavor and sweetness to bread in regions where fresh fruit was scarce. As for apricots, they have a long history of cultivation and were enjoyed by various ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Greeks.

Components:
Here’s what you’ll need to make Apricot Yeast Bread in a bread machine:

• 1 cup of warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 3 cups of bread flour
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of dried apricots (chopped)
• 1/2 cup of apricot preserves
• 1 egg

Steps to Prepare Apricot Yeast Bread:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water with yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

2. Add Ingredients to Bread Machine: Place the activated yeast mixture into the bread machine pan. Add the bread flour, sugar, salt, butter, chopped dried apricots, and apricot preserves.

3. Select the Dough Cycle: Set your bread machine to the dough cycle and start it. This cycle typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

4. Form the Dough: Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine and place it on a floured surface. Knead it a few times to shape it into a loaf.

5. Second Rise: Place the dough into a greased loaf pan and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for about 30-45 minutes until it’s doubled in size.

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 10 minutes of the dough’s rise.

7. Baking: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the risen dough. This will give your bread a nice golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until it’s nicely browned and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice and enjoy!

Time Needed:

• Yeast activation: 5-10 minutes
• Bread machine dough cycle: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Second rise: 30-45 minutes
• Baking: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling: 1 hour (approx.)

So, in total, you can expect to spend around 3 to 3.5 hours to prepare this delicious Apricot Yeast Bread. Enjoy your homemade fruity bread, and let me know if you have any more questions or need further assistance! 🍞🍑😊

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Yeast Bread:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 5g

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calorie Content: Apricot Yeast Bread provides a moderate amount of calories per serving, making it a reasonable choice for a snack or meal component.

2. Low in Fat: The bread is relatively low in fat, which is heart-healthy.

3. Dietary Fiber: While not high in fiber, it does provide some fiber due to the apricots and flour, which can aid in digestion.

4. Protein: This bread contains a small amount of protein, which is essential for various bodily functions.

5. Added Sugars: The sugar content in this bread comes from both the apricot preserves and the sugar in the recipe. It’s important to be mindful of added sugars in your diet.

6. Fruit Benefits: The inclusion of dried apricots provides some vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and potassium. Apricots are also a source of antioxidants.

7. Portion Control: While delicious, it’s essential to enjoy this bread in moderation due to its sugar content.

As with any food, it’s best to balance it within your overall diet, especially if you’re watching your calorie and sugar intake. Additionally, individual serving sizes can vary, so it’s advisable to adjust the nutrition facts according to your portion size.