Introduction: Start your day with a touch of elegance and adventure! The Raisin and Almond Brioche, a luxurious take on the classic French brioche, combines sweet raisins with crunchy almonds, all wrapped in a soft and fluffy pastry. This delicious breakfast or brunch treat will transport you straight to a Parisian café, where the aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the air. Paired with coffee or tea, this golden, buttery brioche will enhance your mornings.
Ingredients:
500g white flour
100g sugar
10g salt
15g active dry yeast
3 large eggs
200ml warm whole milk
250g softened unsalted butter
100g raisins (preferably soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
100g flaked almonds
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional: Lemon or orange zest for a hint of citrus
Instructions:
Dough Preparation:
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast (making sure to separate the yeast from the salt first). Make a well in the center.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and warm milk. Pour this mixture into the well containing the flour.
Mix the ingredients until you get a sticky dough.
Gradually add the softened butter in pieces and knead until well incorporated. This process should take about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic, slightly sticky to the touch.
Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the brioche:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Roll it out into a rectangle (about 30 x 40 cm).
Sprinkle the dough evenly with raisins and flaked almonds. Add citrus zest for a touch of flavor.
Roll the dough into a log from one of the long edges. Cut the log into individual rolls about 5 cm wide.
Arrange the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined pan, ensuring they are tightly packed together, but not too tightly.
Second Rise:
Cover the pan loosely with a tea towel and let the brioches rise for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, until they rise and fill the pan.
Brioche Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Brush the tops of the brioches with a beaten egg to give them a golden brown finish.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brioches are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Preparation and Serving Instructions:
Remove the brioche from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving and Storage Instructions:
Presentation: These delicious brioches are perfect plain or with a drizzle of honey, a dab of jam, or fresh fruit. Serve them with your favorite hot beverage for a delicious treat.
Storage: The brioche can be stored for up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the buns individually and reheat them in the oven or microwave for a freshly baked experience.
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