DRIED FRUIT & PISTACHIO BREAD

I've had this book "100 Great Breads" by Paul Hollywood for many years when my friend Grace gave it for my birthday. I've always wanted to try one of the recipes but laziness always got in the way. Until my passion for baking started coming back and thought, why not give it a try? So today at work, I made sure I would make this bread no matter what. So during my spare, short time, I was able to prep the mise en place and just dump them all in the mixer. It was pretty quick, no need to soak the yeast in warm liquid. But proofing took atleast 3 hours (1st for 2 hours and 2nd for an hour) just what the recipe says. And I am so pleased with the result :) For my very first attempt in baking a loaf bread, it's not bad at all :D But your honest judgement will also be appreciated.

Mixing all the ingredients.

Ready for 2nd rise

Baking at 400 deg F for 20 mins and additional 10 mins at 375 deg F.

Cooling but forgot to place on a rack but it was alright. I had to tap the bottom of the loaf to check for doneness. It sounded hollow so I thought it's done :)

I know, I didn't score it well :(  I only used a paring knife, next time i'll use a razor blade, promise :)

I had to take a picture with the Book in the background for comparison :D I didn't shape it round just like on the cover.

Sliced right away to check the texture & flavor.

First slice is gone! Spread some butter and let my colleagues try it :O

 "DRIED FRUIT AND NUT BREAD"    Makes 1 loaf

Scant 2  1/2 Cups Whole Wheat flour

2/3 Cup White Bread flour, plus extra for dusting

1 Tbsp Salt

1 oz/ 30 g Yeast - Compressed Fresh   ( I used 0.8 oz  Instant Yeast )

Generous 1/2 stick Butter, softened

1  1/4 Cups Water

1 Cup Nuts (any kind)

2/3 Cup Dried Fruit (chopped)

DIRECTION:

Put all ingredients except the water, nuts and dried fruit into a bowl, then slowly add  the water, and using your hands, bind the ingredients together. When all the flour has been incorporated, tip the dough into the floured counter and knead for atleast 5 minutes. Put the dough into a greased bowl, slightly covered & let rise for atleast 2 hours.

Line a baking sheet.  Incorporate the dried fruit & nuts into the dough, then shape into a loaf or ball. Dust with flour then place on the baking sheet and let rise for an hour.

Preheat oven to 400 deg F. Bake bread for atleast 30 minutes or until golden, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Note: I just decided to score my loaf before baking eventhough the book doesn't say it.  I only used All Purpose flour and mixed all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl with a dough hook. Guess, it would've turned out better had I followed the recipe. I'll try it again.