Honey Bread Recipe: A Delightful African Classic
Embrace the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread with this delightful Honey Bread recipe, straight from the pages of a cherished Time-Life African cookbook. This recipe promises a loaf that’s soft on the inside with a beautifully golden crust, perfect for spreading with butter and a generous drizzle of honey. Whether you’re using a traditional oven or adapting the recipe for a bread machine, you’ll find this bread a wonderful addition to any meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delectable treat.
Ingredients
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup milk (preferably whole milk for richness)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Prepare the Yeast:
Begin by placing the warm water in a small bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until it becomes foamy. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast completely.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, honey, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Use a whisk or spoon to mix these ingredients thoroughly.
3. Incorporate the Yeast Mixture:
Add the dissolved yeast, milk, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter into the bowl with the egg mixture. Stir until well blended.
4. Form the Dough:
Gradually stir in the flour, adding it in small amounts until a soft dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable enough to shape into a ball.
5. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough becomes too sticky, lightly butter your hands rather than adding additional flour. Continue kneading for about 5-7 minutes.
6. First Rise:
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a large, lightly buttered bowl. Cover the bowl with a towel or non-stick foil. Set the bowl in a warm, draft-free area and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This should take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. To test if the dough has risen enough, gently press it with your finger; if it doesn’t bounce back, it’s ready.
7. Prepare the Baking Dish:
While the dough is rising, prepare a 3-quart round baking dish (at least 3 inches deep) by spreading the remaining melted butter on the sides and bottom of the dish.
8. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and knead it gently for 2-3 minutes. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in the prepared baking dish, pressing it down to cover the bottom of the container evenly.
9. Second Rise:
Return the dough to the warm spot and let it rise again until it reaches the top of the pan, which should take about 30-45 minutes.
10. Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread in the center of the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is crusty and golden brown. A good test for doneness is to tap the top of the loaf lightly; if it sounds hollow, it’s ready.
11. Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the bread from the oven and turn it out of the pan onto a wire rack to cool. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Serve warm with butter and honey for a truly delightful experience.
Baking Time Table
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prepare Yeast | 2-3 minutes |
| Mix Wet Ingredients | 5 minutes |
| Incorporate Yeast Mixture | 2 minutes |
| Form and Knead Dough | 10-15 minutes |
| First Rise | 1-1.5 hours |
| Shape Dough and Second Rise | 30-45 minutes |
| Preheat Oven | 10 minutes |
| Bake Bread | 50-60 minutes |
| Cooling | 30 minutes |
With its rich, honeyed flavor and hint of spices, this Honey Bread is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home. Perfect for breakfast, a light lunch, or a comforting snack, it’s a versatile loaf that pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings. Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful reward of a loaf that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye. 🍯🍞✨
