Italian Panettone
A traditional Italian sweet bread that is perfect for special occasions. This recipe uses rich, dense Slovakian yeast to give the bread a unique texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- ●1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) slovakian yeast
- ●1 cup warm water
- ●1/2 cup granulated sugar
- ●1/4 cup unsalted butter
- ●2 large eggs
- ●2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- ●1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- ●1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- 1
1. In a small bowl, combine the yeast and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, butter, eggs, flour, caraway seeds, and salt.
- 3
3. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- 4
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- 5
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- 6
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 7
7. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oblong loaf.
- 8
8. Place the loaf in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan and cover it with plastic wrap.
- 9
9. Let the loaf rise for another 30-45 minutes until it doubles in size again.
- 10
10. Bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- 11
11. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.