Rosemary Walnut Bread | Made by Meaghan Moineau
Title: Aromas of Nostalgia: A Family’s Journey with Rosemary Walnut Bread
Description:
Dive into the heartwarming story of how Rosemary Walnut Bread became a cherished family tradition. With its savory aroma, this delightful bread brings together the richness of walnuts and the earthy fragrance of rosemary. Perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Rated 6/10 in difficulty, this bread is a versatile addition to any meal, classified as an appetizer or a delightful side. Join us as we share the secret to creating this flavorful, memory-laden bread.---
The Story Behind the Bread
There's something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through a home. It's a scent that can transport you back in time, evoking fond memories and warming the heart. For my family, Rosemary Walnut Bread is not just a recipe; it's a cherished tradition that ties generations together.
I remember my grandmother's kitchen, a cozy haven where laughter and the scent of baking bread filled the air. Every Sunday, she would don her well-worn apron and begin the ritual of making Rosemary Walnut Bread. As a child, I would watch, fascinated as she combined cream cheese, dry yeast, and eggs with care, adding honey for a subtle sweetness and lemon zest for a hint of freshness. Her hands moved with a practiced grace, transforming simple ingredients into a masterpiece.
Once the dough was mixed, she'd cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm spot, allowing the yeast to weave its magic. The anticipation built as the dough rose, filling the kitchen with its comforting aroma. The real fun began when it was time to knead. Grandma would guide my small hands through the process, our laughter mingling with the rhythmic sound of dough hitting the floured surface.
The addition of aromatic rosemary and crunchy walnuts brought the bread to life, infusing it with a unique flavor that was both earthy and robust. Grandma would form the dough into two leaf-shaped loaves, a tradition passed down from her mother. As the bread baked, the irresistible scent filled the house, drawing family members to the kitchen like moths to a flame.
Once baked, the bread would rest for a tantalizing twenty minutes. Those moments felt like an eternity to my younger self, but the wait was always worth it. The first slice, still warm, was a revelation of flavors and textures, a perfect harmony of chewy, nutty, and fragrant notes.
The Recipe: Rosemary Walnut Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 oz cream cheese- 2 1/4 tsp dry yeast
- 2 eggs, plus 1 for brushing
- 4 cups flour
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, dry yeast, 2 eggs, flour, honey, lemon zest, and milk. Stir well to blend.
2. Activate Yeast: Add the yeast to the mixture and let it stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Initial Rise: Stir in two cups of flour, cover with plastic wrap, and place in a warm spot (approximately 85°F) for 15 minutes.
4. Knead Dough: Add remaining flour, walnuts, lemon zest, rosemary, and salt to the bowl. Mix until the dough begins to come together. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
5. First Proof: Rub the top of the dough with olive oil and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour.
6. Shape Loaves: Return the dough to the floured surface and divide it into two portions. Shape each into a leaf form and place on a baking sheet.
7. Prepare for Baking: Make three diagonal slashes on each loaf, about 1/4 inch deep. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
8. Final Rise and Bake: Let the loaves rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 40 minutes.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to stand for 20 minutes before slicing, or as long as you can resist the tempting aroma.
This Rosemary Walnut Bread is a beautiful way to bring tradition and flavor into your home. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside a main dish, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the process, the scent, and most importantly, the memories you’ll create with this delightful bread.