Greek Currant Bread

Embrace the rich tapestry of Greek culinary heritage with the Greek Currant Bread—a fragrant masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean flavors. This 2-pound loaf is a testament to the harmonious blend of ingredients that transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked landscapes of Greece. Infused with currants soaked in orange juice, scents of cinnamon, and the subtle warmth of mastika or allspice, this bread is a celebration of tradition and innovation. Embark on a culinary journey to experience the captivating allure of Greek cuisine in every slice.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1¹⁄₃ cups currants
• ¼ cup orange juice
• One 2-inch piece cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• Pinch of ground mastika or allspice
• 1⅛ cups plus 1 tablespoon evaporated milk
• 2 teaspoons orange-flower water
• ¼ cup honey
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon gluten
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2½ teaspoons SAF yeast or 1 tablespoon bread machine yeast

PREPARATIONS:

1. Place the currants in a small bowl and combine with orange juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, and mastika or allspice. Allow to stand for 1 hour, then remove cinnamon stick and cloves.
2. Drain and reserve any extra orange juice from the currants. Adjust the juice and water mixture to match the loaf size.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin your journey into Greek Currant Bread by soaking currants in a mixture of orange juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, and mastika or allspice. This infusion of flavors adds depth to the bread’s character.
2. Drain the currants and adjust the juice and water mixture according to the desired loaf size, ensuring that the delightful notes of orange are preserved.
3. Assemble the remaining ingredients—evaporated milk, orange-flower water, honey, bread flour, gluten, salt, and SAF yeast or bread machine yeast. These elements form the foundation for a bread that resonates with Mediterranean flair.
4. Combine the ingredients in the bread machine pan, incorporating the juice and water mixture with the liquid ingredients. Select the Sweet Bread or Fruit and Nut cycle, setting the crust to medium. With a sense of anticipation, press Start, allowing the machine to orchestrate the symphony of flavors.
5. As the machine beeps or during the Knead 1 and Knead 2 stages, introduce the softened and plump currants, allowing them to weave their magic into the dough.
6. The cycle concludes, releasing the irresistible aroma of Greek Currant Bread. Gently remove the bread from the pan and place it on a cooling rack, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to settle.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 110
• Sodium: 210mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 21g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g

YIELD:

• Makes 2 pounds

The Greek Currant Bread invites you to savor the enchanting flavors of Greece within every slice. This 2-pound masterpiece marries tradition with innovation, weaving a tapestry of aromas and tastes that pay homage to the rich culinary heritage of the Mediterranean.

The journey begins by soaking currants in a vibrant mixture of orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves—a blend that captures the essence of the Greek countryside. The infusion of flavors sets the stage for a bread that embodies the spirit of Greek cuisine.

As the ingredients are assembled, the bread flour, gluten, salt, honey, and yeast join forces, creating a canvas that awaits the magic of the currants. Evaporated milk lends a creamy touch, while orange-flower water evokes the fragrance of blossoms in the air.

With precision, the ingredients are united within the bread machine, and the cycle commences. The Sweet Bread or Fruit and Nut setting orchestrates the rise, infusing the dough with the essence of currants and spices.

The final result is a loaf that exudes the warmth of the Greek sun, a fragrance that transports you to a rustic village bakery. As the machine signals completion, the bread emerges—a work of art that beckons you to indulge.

Gently remove the bread from the pan, and as it cools on the rack, the flavors meld, creating a symphony that dances across the palate. Each slice unveils a journey through the Greek countryside, where currants and orange notes intertwine, and spices offer a gentle embrace.

Whether enjoyed as a standalone delight or paired with traditional Greek accompaniments, the Greek Currant Bread speaks a universal language—one of flavors that transcend borders and evoke memories. With each bite, you are transported to sun-drenched landscapes and ancient traditions, encapsulated within the heart of this fragrant masterpiece.