Step by step

Method

21 steps

1. 1

   Make bread dough: In the bottom of large mixing bowl, combine water, milk and sugar or honey, then whisk in yeast until dissolved.

2. 2

   Add egg and oil and whisk until combined.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, whisk together flours, grains and salt, then add this to the yeast-egg mixture.

4. 4

   If mixing with a machine, combine with paddle attachment at the lowest speed for 1 minute.

5. 5

   If mixing by hand, use a large spoon and stir for 1 minute.

6. 6

   The dough will be wet and coarse; do not fret.

7. 7

   Let it rest for 5 minutes.

8. 8

   If using a mixer, switch to the dough hook and mix the dough on medium-low for 2 more minutes.

9. 9

   By hand, do the same with your spoon.

10. 10

    The dough will seem firm and more smooth, ideally supple and sticky, but if it’s still very wet, add a bit more flour, a spoonful at a time.

11. 11

    If it seems excessively stiff, add a little more water, a spoonful at a time.

12. 12

    Continue to mix with dough hook or by hand for 4 minutes.

13. 13

    Scrape dough out onto lightly floured counter.

14. 14

    Knead a few times, then form the dough into a ball and let it rest, covered by the empty bowl upended over it, for 10 minutes.

15. 15

    Repeat this process — kneading a few times, then resting for 10 minutes — two more times.

16. 16

    Proof dough: Transfer dough to lightly oiled bowl with room for dough to at least double.

17. 17

    Cover with plastic wrap and let proof at room temperature for 60 to 70 minutes, until doubled in bulk.

18. 18

    Dough can also be fermented overnight or up to 4 days in the fridge.

19. 19

    If proofing in the fridge, remove the dough before the fridge about 3 hours before you plan to bake it.

20. 20

    Prepare filling: Combine the sugar, cinnamon, raisins or currants, and flour in a food processor or blender, processing until the fruit is chopped.

21. 21

    Bake bread: For about 40 minutes, rotating the loaf once for even color. When done, it will sound a bit hollow when tapped and the internal temperature will read 190°F.