Dried Fig and Walnut Bread

This is another bread that required an atypical ingredient: dried figs. I feel fortunate that I had two days at home this weekend where I was able to make bread both days.

Dried Fig and Walnut Bread
2 tsp. yeast
1 1/3 cups water
1 1/2 Tbsp. honey
1 1/2 Tbsp. softened butter
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups wheat flour
2 cups bread flour
1/3 cup dried figs, chopped
1/2 cup toasted walnuts

Heat the water until warm, between 105ºF and 115ºF. Pour into warmed mixing bowl, and add yeast. Let stand 5 minutes.

Add honey, butter, salt, wheat flour and half the bread flour. Beat well. Cover, and let stand 15 minutes.

Add remaining bread flour. Knead the dough until soft and springy but soft to the touch. Knead in dried figs and walnuts. Remove the dough hook, cover the bowl and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Turn dough onto lightly greased or floured surface, and punch dough down. Divide dough into two pieces, and shape each into a round loaf. Place on prepared baking sheet. Cover, and let rise until doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Bake 35 to 45 minutes, until golden.Cool on a wire rack.