Walnut And Dried Cherry Bread

Walnut And Dried Cherry Bread 

Ingredients
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 cup hot water

2 to 2-1/4 cups bread flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons butter
1 egg
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries

Directions:
Combine cherries and water in a bowl; let stand for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving juice; set cherries aside. 

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, syrup, butter and reserved cherry liquid; heat to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. 

Add egg; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining bread flour to form a soft dough (dough will be slightly sticky). Beat for 2 minutes. Stir in walnuts and cherries. 

Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down, turn onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a 7 inch round loaf and place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes. Cover and let rise

Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.