Fruit of the Earth Bread

In honor of Earth Day, which is April 22nd, I present to you the Fruit of the Earth Bread.

I saw this recipe of the same name in the King Arthur's cookbook and decided to bake one using my bao dough recipe. Not much to write about really. It's a fruity and nutty bread that can be served for breakfast or snack.

Super easy to bake. I usually have extra bao dough left to play around with. So if you want to make more, just double or triple the recipe.

Another tip for baking this bread is not to worry too much about measuring out the dried fruits and nuts. Just estimate the amounts. Maybe add more raisins than walnuts. Or vice versa.

Fruit of the Earth Bread
makes 1 6-inch log

10 oz. from my bao dough recipe
1 oz. raisins
0.5 - 1 oz. dried cranberries
1 oz. raw walnuts, roughly chopped
1 large egg yolk
1/2 Tablespoon water

1. Place a nonstick matt over the baking tray. Set aside.
2. Make bao dough as directed in my recipe.
3. Take out about 10 oz. of the dough.
4. Knead a dough for about 30 seconds.
5. Roll the dough out into any size or shapes.
6. Sprinkle the dried fruits and nuts all over the dough.
7. Bring the dough together and shape into an 6-inch log. NOTE: Remember that this bread will expand after bake, so it'll be about 8-inch log once baked.
8. Place it on a prepared tray.
9. Let the dough rises for about 20 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350F.
11. To make the egg wash, whisk together the egg yolk and water. NOTE: See "Allergy Info" for alternative egg-free wash.
12. Brush the bread with egg wash.
13. Bake the bread in a preheated oven for 20 minutes.
14. Transfer the bread to the wiring rack and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before cutting. Enjoy!!!

STORING: This fruit of the Earth bread can be kept in an air tight container for up to 3 days. It freezes wrapped in a foil then plastic for up to 3 months.

Allergy Info: This fruit of the Earth bread is free from or can be made without dairy, corn, legumes (soy), and fish. If you have egg allergy, mix together 1/4 cup of hot water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Then brush the baking soda water all over the bread instead of using the egg wash. You can also skip this step, but the bread might come out not as golden brown. But still taste good. If you have nuts allergy, substitute the nuts with sunflower and/or pumpkin seeds or omit them all together.