THREE CHEESE LOAF with CHIVES

I have no words to describe this truly scrumptious loaf. It is very easy, especially if you have a mixer with a dough hook, but the kneading is good for your muscles anyway!

It is made with mascarpone [I love using that in cakes as well], parmesan and a blue cheese of your choice. I used Bodmin Blue [Asda sells little 3 oz packs in their mixer range of cheeses] but any blue will do.

In a large bowl, or your mixer with a dough hook, place:

1lb strong plain flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 sachet of easy bake yeast [7g]

2 teaspoons caster sugar

1 large egg

5 tablespoons mascarpone [use a measure]

2-3 oz parmesan cheese [if you want it a little stronger use 3oz]

6 ½ fl oz barely tepid water

Knead for about ten minutes, but just before the time is up, add:

3 oz Bodmin Blue, crumbled. See pic on my Blog.

2 tablespoons chives

or if like me you put the timer on, then went to hang the washing on the line, then forgot about it, add another minute to mix the chives and cheese in! No matter.

Place in a warm spot - I used a window with the sun streaming in [usualy!!], then allow to rise until well double in size for about 1-2 hours. Tip on to a lightly floured surface and gently knock back, then shape in a nice round and place on a baking sheet. Cover with some oiled cling film and rise again for about 45-50 mins.

Preheat your fan oven to 200C. 

Take an egg yolk and a tablespoon of cold water. Mix well, then brush over the loaf. This makes a great glaze. I then made slashes in a cross shape. You need a very very sharp knife for this or a lamé. A lamé holds a razor blade and is very handy for slashing. I bought mine online.

Bake for about 30 mins.

Just perfect. Enjoy! The texture is so soft - I tore the pieces out of the loaf to try and show this, plus the oozey bits of melting cheese. Is oozey a word??? It is now.