Today's recipe takes us to the best of Irish baking with a sweet bread called Barm Brack, typical of those lands and perfect for serving at tea time. This Barm Brack bread has the unique characteristic of staying moist and fresh for several days due to the ingredients used, simply by storing it in an airtight container. It can also be frozen, making it handy to have on hand, especially when unexpected guests arrive for...
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Place the raisins in a bowl and cover them with water or liquor to hydrate them.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and spices. Mix everything well.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the butter, cut into small pieces.
Using your hands, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture.
Beat the eggs and mix them with the warm milk.
Gradually incorporate this mixture into the dry ingredients, kneading until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous dough.
Drain the hydrated raisins and add them to the dough, mixing well to distribute them evenly.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth.
Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, knead it lightly to release the air and shape it into a round loaf.
Place it on a baking sheet that has been greased and floured.
Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes in a warm place.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Bake the bread for approximately 50 minutes, or until it is golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely.
Store the bread in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh for several days.
You can freeze the bread to have it ready for unexpected guests.
Pair the bread with jams or butter for a delightful snack.
Can I use regular flour instead of strong flour?
Strong flour is recommended for this recipe as it provides better structure and texture, but you can use regular flour if needed.
How long can I store the bread?
The bread can stay fresh for several days if stored in an airtight container.
Can I use other types of raisins?
Yes, you can use other types of raisins, but golden seedless raisins are traditional for this recipe.
What can I use to hydrate the raisins?
You can use water or liquor, such as whiskey or rum, to hydrate the raisins.
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Eggs are an important part of the recipe, but you can try substituting them with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture as a vegan alternative.
