Cranberry & Walnut Spiced Plait

I may have mentioned I love yeast cookery. This is very easy, and is a lovely tea time treat in the build up to Christmas.  It does take about 2 ½ hours to prepare, but most of that time you are waiting for it to rise.  Do the ironing, read a book!! I always use a timer to remind me to look at it after an hour! It’s a senior thing.

1 lb strong plain flour

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon mixed spice

1 level tablespoon [use a proper measure] dried fast action yeast

3 oz caster sugar

2 oz very soft butter

½ a large egg [the other half is for the glaze]

Place the above in a large bowl [or your mixer bowl, if you have a kneading option]

Mix well to combine the spices etc. Add scant ½ pint of warmed milk and water. Bring together with your hand then turn onto a floured surface to continue kneading. If, like me, you have a machine that does all the work, just turn it on and leave for 10 mins.

This loaf does need the full 10 minutes of hard kneading, until the dough is smooth and springs back when you poke it. 

Add your fruit. I used approx 4 oz dried cranberries, 2 or 3 oz sultanas and 2 oz chopped walnuts.  When your dough is kneaded, take it out of the mixer and roughly flatten it, on a floured surface, then cover with the fruit and nuts. Fold over, then knead gently to combine. Put back in the bowl and cover with cling film, to rise in a warm spot, until at least double in size.

Then back to the floured surface. Knock back the dough, then cut it into 3 equal pieces. Roll each ⅓rd into a longish sausage, about 15 inches, also making the middle slightly fatter than the ends. Repeat twice more. Make sure they are the same length.

Plait the rolls, making sure you pinch the ends together firmly. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet, then loosely cover with cling film and put to rise for the second time. About 45 mins. Then back to the little jug with half an egg in it. Add a tablespoon of water and a dessertspoonful of icing sugar. Give that a little whisk. Chop a few more walnuts as well.

More pics on my Blog.

When the plait is ready for the oven, brush over half of the glaze and place in a pre heated fan oven 200 deg C for about 20 mins. Quickly take it out and do the glaze once more, this time adding a few more chopped walnuts. Back in the oven for another 15 - 20 mins. Delicious, warm with butter. But equally good cold.

Note: You can also make rolls with the mix. Just shape into approx 2½oz buns and set to rise, but reduce the baking time.