Indulge your senses in the luxurious harmony of flavors with the delightful Ricotta Nut Bread. This 2-pound loaf presents a marriage of creamy ricotta cheese, anise extract’s delicate essence, and the wholesome richness of walnuts and golden raisins. Crafted using the innovative magic of a bread machine, this bread elevates the art of baking to new heights. As the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread permeates the air, anticipation mounts, and a world of culinary bliss awaits.
INGREDIENTS:
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons anise extract
- ½ cup (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 4 cups bread flour
- ½ cup walnuts
- ½ cup golden raisins
- 3½ tablespoons sugar
- Grated zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon gluten
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2½ teaspoons SAF yeast or 1 tablespoon bread machine yeast
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Place all the ingredients into the bread machine’s pan following the order specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. Begin by setting the crust option to medium and selecting the Basic cycle. Press the Start button to initiate the baking process.
- As the bread machine orchestrates the alchemy of flavors, the ingredients harmoniously blend together to create a dough that embodies the essence of the Ricotta Nut Bread. The creamy ricotta cheese, fragrant anise extract, and the zest of lemons create an intoxicating aroma that fills the space, heightening anticipation.
- When the baking cycle concludes, carefully remove the freshly baked bread from the pan and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the bread to gradually cool to room temperature. This crucial step ensures that the flavors fully develop, inviting you to a symphony of taste.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Calories: 204
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 10g
YIELD:
- Makes 2 pounds
The Ricotta Nut Bread stands as a testament to the harmonious interplay of textures and flavors that can be achieved with a touch of culinary artistry and a modern bread machine. This 2-pound loaf captures the essence of indulgence, blending the creamy allure of ricotta cheese, the delicate anise extract, and the wholesome nuttiness of walnuts and golden raisins.
As the ingredients are artfully combined and kneaded within the bread machine, the transformation unfolds, and the aroma of lemon zest and anise fills the air. This symphony of scents sets the stage for a culinary journey that is both comforting and exciting.
The Ricotta Nut Bread requires no complicated preparations; it’s a testament to the joy of innovative baking. The bread machine handles the intricate choreography of mixing, kneading, and baking, allowing you to savor the results of a chef’s touch without the complexities.
Upon emerging from the oven, the bread showcases a beautiful golden crust and a tender crumb. Its flavor profile is a dance of contrasts, where the richness of the ricotta cheese is complemented by the subtle notes of anise and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. The golden raisins provide bursts of sweetness that elevate each bite, making it an experience to remember.
The nutritional information per serving underlines the balance this bread achieves, with a modest calorie count and a healthy dose of protein and fats. It’s a testament to the thoughtfully selected ingredients and their careful integration.
Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast accompaniment, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, the Ricotta Nut Bread is a symphony of flavors that invites you to savor every moment. Each slice offers a journey of tastes and textures, from the richness of the ricotta to the crunch of walnuts, all enrobed in the fragrance of lemon zest and anise extract.
In the world of baking, the Ricotta Nut Bread stands as a tribute to creativity, innovation, and the simple joy of crafting something extraordinary. It’s a celebration of the art of baking made accessible through modern technology—a testimony to the fact that indulgence can be both delicious and satisfyingly wholesome.
