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Walnut Bread

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: Makes two 8-inch loaves
  • •MAKE-AHEAD
  • •VEGETARIAN

This whole wheat bread studded with toasted walnuts is divine with foie gras terrine and also delectable with an assortment of cheeses after dinner.

  1. 2 cups walnuts (about 1/2 pound)
  2. 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  3. 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (105° to115°)
  4. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  5. 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  6. 2 teaspoons salt
  7. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  8. 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 8 minutes, or until deeply browned. Let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the water and let stand until foamy. Stir in the melted butter, egg and salt. Add the all-purpose and whole wheat flours and the walnuts, stirring until the dough becomes stiff. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until a smooth dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
  3. Punch the dough down and cut it in half. Knead each half briefly and shape into 6-inch rounds. Set the rounds on a large, lightly oiled baking sheet about 4 inches apart. Let stand until the loaves have almost doubled in volume and hold an impression when lightly pressed, about 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°. Bake in the center of the oven for about 50 minutes, or until the loaves are nicely browned and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer the loaves to a rack to cool completely before slicing.
Make Ahead The loaves can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.