Carrot and Walnut Bread

Nothing beats fresh homemade bread! You could easily prepare this bread in the evening. Will take 1 1/2 - 2 hours to make (including the time for the bread to rest). This recipe gives 3 small bread loafs. Serve with butter, honey or jam.

You need:

1 package dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 dl (0.6 cup) water

1 1/2 dl (0.6 cup) milk
40 g butter (room temperature)
4 tablespoon honey
250 gram grated carrots
50 gram chopped walnuts

8-10 dl (3-4 cups) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves


For Topping:

1 egg
poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds


Instructions:

1. Heat water to approx 100 F (37C). Add yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, mix and let it stand for 10 min so the yeast becomes active. (Tip: Yeast likes the same temperature as you, if you dip your finger in the water you should not burn your finger - then it's too hot!).

2. Mix milk, room temperature butter and honey in a bowl, add the yeast mix.

3.Add the cleaned, grated carrots and chopped walnuts.

4. Mix flour, ground ginger, ground cloves and salt, and add it slowly to the mix.  Kneed the dough by hand until it becomes smooth 5-10 min, or in a baking machine until the dough looks firm and smooth. (Tip: It's better to add too little flour than too much. It's easier to adjust the amount of flour after you have let the dough rise).

5. Let the dough rest in a bowl for 30 min in room temperature. Cover with a baking towel.

6. Kneed the dough for 2-3 min. Add some more flour if the dough is too sticky. Cut the dough into 3 pieces. Roll into three loafs with your hands. (Tip: do not overwork the dough, as the bread then tend to become harder).

7. Place the loafs on an over-plate covered with a baking sheet. Make sure you have enough space between them to let them rise. Let it rest for 30 more min. Preheat the oven 400 F (200 C).

8. Mix an egg in a glass, use a spoon or a brush to cover the top of the loafs in egg. Sprinkle poppy seeds and pumpkin seeds on top of the loafs.

9. Bake in oven for 25-30 min, or until golden brown.

Enjoy!