Nutty Citrus Bread

I was in a bread-making mode (made 3 different bread recipes today!) and decided that I wanted to make some festive loafs.  I was originally going to make a combination of nuts and fruit that also involved cranberries and pistachios, but we were all out so I just used what we had on hand.   You can do the same by switching up the raisons and nuts with whatever you have, such as dates, cranberries, pistachios. 

This bread smells delicious!  It is also quick to make if you have a bread machine. I have included the directions for use with a bread maker, but you could use your stand mixer or do it by hand.

MAKES 1 LARGE LOAF

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup water
• 2/3 cup freshly-squeezed orange juice
• 4 tablespoons organic cane sugar
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter
• 2.5 teaspoons instant yeast
• zest of one orange
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• Glaze – 1 tablespoon soy creamer or almond milk

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bread maker, combine all of your ingredients, except for the raisins, nuts and glaze.  Set to the dough cycle and start.
2. Once the bread machine is done, pull the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Shape into an oval and place onto a large backing sheet lined with parchment paper. You could also put into a large loaf pan.
4. Score the bread in 2-4 areas.
5. Brush the dough with a soy creamer or almond milk (optional).
6. Let the bread rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 450C.
7. Brush the bread with the soy creamer again.
8. Put the bread into the oven and reduce to 350C.  Cook for approximately 25-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden and it sounds hollow when tapped.  The timing will depend on what shape you make the bread.