Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, butter, warm milk, eggs, salt, and yeast. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
2. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Add the dried cranberries and orange zest to the dough and knead for another minute to incorporate.
4. Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes one large loaf of bread, which serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 150mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with raisins or chopped dried apricots.
- Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest or lime zest.
Variations:
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch.
- Replace the cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced version of this bread.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the milk is warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a little more milk.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm place will help it rise faster.
- To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it's ready.
Storage instructions:
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the bread, wrap it in foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bread sliced on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fruit salad or a cheese plate.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough doesn't rise, it may be because the yeast is old or the milk was too hot.
- If the bread is too dense, it may be because the dough was over-kneaded or didn't rise enough.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all surfaces that come into contact with the dough to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
Houska is a traditional Czech bread that is typically served during holidays and special occasions.
Flavor profiles:
This bread has a slightly sweet flavor from the sugar and dried cranberries, with a hint of citrus from the orange zest.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this bread as a sweet breakfast treat or as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.
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Region: Czech