Why You’ll Love This Raisin and Walnut Country Style Loaf

This rustic bread is not just a feast for the taste buds, it’s also a visual delight. The combination of golden raisins and toasted walnuts beautifully speckled throughout the loaf makes for a stunning presentation. Not only does this loaf taste incredible, but it is also versatile enough to complement both sweet and savory dishes, making it a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering.

Perfect Pairings

• For Sweet Enjoyments: Spread with cream cheese, topped with honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
• For Savory Delights: Delicious when served alongside cheeses or used as the base for sandwiches with turkey and cranberry sauce.

Health Benefits

In addition to its amazing flavor, this loaf is packed with nutrients. Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats and proteins, while raisins provide natural sweetness and iron. Together, they create a wholesome treat that can fit into a balanced diet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful loaf:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted for added flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Pour in the warm water gradually while mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Ensure that all the flour is incorporated.

2. Incorporate the Raisins and Walnuts

Once the dough comes together, add in the raisins and toasted walnuts. Fold them thoroughly into the dough until they are evenly distributed. The dough will be sticky and that’s perfectly fine; it aids in achieving a moist loaf.

3. Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Set it aside in a warm spot for around 12-18 hours. The dough should double in size and bubble on the surface.

4. Shape Your Loaf

After the rising period, dust your work surface with flour. Gently scrape the dough onto the floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape the dough into a round loaf. Be careful not to deflate the dough too much.

5. Second Rise

Place the shaped loaf onto a floured baking sheet or into a floured proofing basket. Cover it loosely and let it rise for another 1-2 hours until it puffs up again.

6. Preheat the Oven

About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to preheat as well. This creates an environment for steam, which helps develop a crusty exterior.

7. Bake the Loaf

Once the oven is hot, carefully remove the Dutch oven and place the dough inside (you can also bake it directly on a baking sheet). Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps to set the crumb and achieve a better texture.

Storing Your Country Style Loaf

This loaf is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to store it:

• Room Temperature: Keep in a bread box or a paper bag to maintain its crustiness for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.

Tips for Success

Follow these tips to ensure your raisin and walnut loaf turns out perfectly:

• For added depth of flavor, consider using whole wheat flour or a blend of flours.
• Make sure the raisins are plump; if they seem dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before adding to the dough.
• Experiment with different nuts like pecans or hazelnuts for a unique twist on this recipe.