This recipe will give you two lovely loaves with great taste and texture. They may not win any prizes for elegance – the beauty is on the inside. Just cut, bite and see.

Makes: 2 medium loaves

Level: Fairly easy

Time: Initial “hands on”: 10 – 12 minutes, then first prove: 60 – 90 minutes depending on conditions. Second “hands on”: around 30 minutes then second prove: 40 – 60 minutes. Bake: around 35 minutes.

Need: I use a stand mixer, but it can be made by hand.

Ingredients for two loaves

7g sachet of instant yeast
325ml/11fl oz lukewarm water
30ml/1fl oz runny honey
350g/12oz strong wholemeal flour
150g/5½oz strong white flour
7g salt
50g/1¾oz butter, softened
100 – 125g (3½ – 4½oz) walnut pieces*
100 – 125g (3½ – 4½oz) dates*, chopped
75g – 100g (2½ – 3½oz) cherries*, chopped

* Don’t exceed 300g/10oz total weight for the filling

Method

1. Tip the dried yeast into a jug with the warm water, stir in the honey and set aside.

2. Put the flours, salt and butter into a large bowl and add the yeasty water. Mix well then tip out and knead until smooth. (or use a stand mixer) Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and leave to rise until doubled in size.

3. Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knock it back then divide into two equal pieces. Roll out then add the walnuts, chopped dates and chopped cherries equally to each piece. Press these additions in firmly then briefly knead each piece and shape them into ovals or rounds.

4. Place each piece of dough on a tray with a piece on baking parchment. Place each tray inside a plastic bag or bin liner, fill with air, seal and leave to rise for about 40 – 60 minutes.

5. Preheat oven to Fan 200C / 425F / Gas 7. Put in a baking/pizza stone if you have one. If not, use a large metal tray. Also, at the bottom of your oven, place a tray for water to create steam when baking.

6. Dust the dough pieces with flour and cut slashes on top

7. Lift the parchments and dough onto the hot baking stone. Pour some hot water into the tray. Bake the bread for 32 – 36 minutes.

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I wish you every success with your bread making. I hope you have a go at this one and enjoy making and eating a lovely loaf. If you want to see more of my bread recipes click this link.