Today, I want to share a recipe for an aromatic bread that is perfect for a winter day. But it's not just your average winter bread recipe. No, this recipe could easily be featured in a fancy restaurant downtown. Yet, it remains an easy artisan bread recipe to make at home, requiring just a bit of patience and love.

Let's discover what makes this rustic bread recipe so special!

Ingredients and Preparation

• Mix the yeast with sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of lukewarm water.

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• Cover and let it activate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
• In a bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, cubed cheddar cheese, chopped chili pepper (optional for a bit of warmth), fresh rosemary, 550-600 ml lukewarm water (adjust based on the flour; the dough should be well-hydrated but compact).
• Add the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.

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• Mix using a dough hook for 10 minutes on low speed. It should be firm but sticky.

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• Once the dough forms, oil it lightly, cover it, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Uncover, fold the dough gently, cover again, and let it rest for another hour. Repeat the folding process and let it rise for an additional 3 hours.

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• Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F) with a Dutch oven inside. Let the Dutch oven heat for at least 40 minutes.
• Carefully remove the Dutch oven, line it with parchment paper, and transfer the risen dough into the pot.

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• Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes at 250°C.
• Reduce the temperature to 235°C, remove the lid, and bake for another 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

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• Take the bread out of the oven and Dutch oven, and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing.

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The Harmony of Ingredients

Now for the talking part. So, this artisan bread recipe combines the earthiness of whole wheat flour with the versatility of all-purpose flour, creating a robust base. Walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while the dried cranberries lend a subtle sweetness, making it an ideal cranberry bread. The cheddar's creamy richness complements the tangy cranberries, and the optional chili pepper adds a gentle warmth. In other words, it is the perfect taste and texture for a winter bread.

Now, when talking about the inspiration I had for this rustic bread recipe, it comes from the idea of bringing restaurant-quality bread to a home kitchen.  

And if you are wondering about the nutritional aspects of this artisan bread, then let me tell you this. Nutritionally, this bread is packed with fiber from whole wheat flour, antioxidants from cranberries, and healthy fats from walnuts, making it both delicious and wholesome.

FAQ: Everything About Artisan Bread

Bread-making is an art, and every loaf has its story. Here are some common questions about how to make artisan bread and ensure success:

Q: Why is my artisan bread so dense?

A: Dense bread often results from under-proofing or using too little water. Ensure your dough is well-hydrated and allow enough time to rise.

Q: Why is it called artisan bread?

A: "Artisan bread" refers to bread made with traditional methods, emphasizing quality ingredients and slow fermentation.

Q: How to store artisan bread?

A: Wrap your bread in a clean kitchen towel or keep it in a bread box to maintain its crust.

Q: How to keep artisan bread fresh?

A: Store it at room temperature and avoid refrigeration, as this can dry out the bread. Freeze any leftovers for long-term storage.

Q: What does artisan bread mean?

A: It means bread crafted with care, typically by hand, with minimal ingredients and no preservatives, focusing on flavor and texture.

Conclusion

I hope this easy artisan bread recipe inspires you to bake at home and enjoy the warmth it brings to your kitchen. Don't forget to tag us when you try it!

For a step-by-step visual guide, the full video is available on YouTube. Be sure to like and subscribe for more delicious winter bread recipes!

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