Toasted Hazelnut Bread

Mr. O-P likes mixed nuts. Well, let me rephrase that. Mr. O-P buys mixed nuts. There's a difference. Once he gets the oil-drum-size container of nuts home, he then painstakingly removes those he doesn't care for - the almonds and hazelnuts, and sometimes the Brazil nuts, depending upon his mood.  He places each type into its own little separate plastic container and passes them along to me as if I'm loaded with recipes and uses for this nut duo/trio. Let's face it, a girl can only use so many nuts. Imagine my delight then, when I stumbled upon this recipe in my “Try before I die” file. Not only did it make use of hazelnuts, but also employed one of my favorite appliances, the automatic bread machine.

I wasn't sure if I wanted bread or rolls, so decided to make both - a pan of rolls, and a small loaf of bread. When I make it again (and I will), I'm going to make a large loaf and forget the rolls.  This bread was tasty out of the oven, but the next morning made the best tasting toast that I think I've ever eaten.

Toasted Hazelnut Bread

2/3 cup warm milk (70° to 80°)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups bread flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 package active dry yeast

1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts, toasted

***

Egg wash (1 egg + 1 T. Water)

Place the ingredients (milk through the hazelnuts) into the bread machine in the order listed. Select the “Dough” setting and press “Start.”

When machine signals that the dough is done, remove to a lightly floured cutting board. Shape dough into rolls or one large loaf (or two small ones, or both -- the world is your oyster). Place shaped dough into greased pans and set in a warm spot to raise until double in size, 30-45 minutes. Brush top with egg wash and sprinkle with Kosher salt or finely ground hazelnuts. Bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and makes a hollow sound when thumped. 

This post is linked to:

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