Women's Weekly Food

DARK CHOCOLATE,CHERRY&WALNUTSODA BREADPREP + COOK TIME1 HOUR 15 MINUTESMAKES1 LOAF (SERVES8)Thissuper−easy bread relies onthe reaction between the alkalinebicarbonate of soda and the acidicbuttermilk to produce carbon dioxidefor aeration. Since the reaction isimmediate upon mixing, make sureyou get baking quick smart. And likescones, this bread is all thebetter forbeing eaten close to making.4 cups (600g) plain flour¼ cup (55g) caster sugar2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda1 teaspoon sea salt1½ teaspoons ground cardamom100g cold unsalted butter, chopped1¾ cups (430ml) buttermilk1 egg, beaten lightly100g dark chocolate,chopped coarsely¾ cup (75g) roasted walnuts, chopped(see tips)¾ cup (115g) dried cherries(see tips)1 egg white1 tablespoon caster sugar, extra``````1 Preheat oven to180°C/160°C fan. Line an oven traywith baking paper.2 Sift flour, sugar, soda, salt andcardamom into a large bowl. Rubin butter with your fingertips untilmixture resembles coarse crumbs.Make a well in the centre.3 Whisk buttermilk and egg ina medium bowl. Add egg mixtureto well. Using a knife, cut liquidthrough mixture until it starts toclump. Add chocolate, walnuts andcherries. Turn dough out onto alightly floured surface. Knead gentlyuntil dough just comes together.Shape into a16cm round.Placeon tray with floured hands.4 Lightly beat the egg whitein a small bowl with a fork.Place 1 tablespoon of the eggwhite in another small bowl(discard remaining egg white).Add extra sugar, whisking untilcombined. Brush mixture overthe top of the loaf.5 Bake loaf for45 minutes or untilgolden and bread sounds hollowwhen tapped. Serve warmor at room temperature.Top ti psBreadisbestmadeonday of serving. Servefresh or toasted withricotta and honey.Bread can be frozenforupto2months.Instead of walnutsand cherries, youcould try other driednuts and fruit, such aspecans and sultanas.``````DARKCHOCOLATE,CHERRY &WALNUTSODA BREADCelebrate Treats