Ingredients
- Warm up 2 cups of milk until it's just about to simmer
- Sweeten the mix with ⅓ cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- Add a pinch of salt, about 1 ½ teaspoons worth
- Activate the yeast by using 2 small packages, each about 0.25 ounces
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in half a cup of warm water, around 100°F (38°C)
- Prepare a total of 7 ½ cups of unsifted white bread flour, setting some aside for later
- Enhance the dough with a touch of citrus by adding 1 ½ teaspoons of grated orange zest
- Boost the flavor profile with a sprinkle of crushed fennel seeds, around 1 ½ teaspoons
- Mix in ¼ cup of melted butter, allowing it to cool to a comfortable lukewarm temperature
- Finish off by brushing the dough with 1 beaten egg white
Step 1
Begin by pouring warm milk over a delightful mixture of honey, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Allow the mixture to cool down to a pleasant lukewarm temperature, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, activate the yeast by letting it froth up in some warm water for approximately 5 minutes. Once ready, blend it with the milk concoction. Add 2 cups of flour, along with some freshly grated orange zest and a sprinkle of aromatic fennel seeds into the mix, using an electric mixer. Incorporate the butter and gradually stir in an additional 5 cups of flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 3
Sprinkle a final 1/2 cup of flour onto a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough gently until it becomes smooth, this usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, place the dough in a generously greased bowl, ensuring to coat the top with a thin layer of grease as well. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise in a cozy spot until it doubles in size, which typically takes around 1 1/2 hours.
Step 4
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a loaf and carefully place them in two lightly greased bread pans. Cover the pans and let the loaves rise once more until they almost double in size, about 45 minutes.
Step 5
While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prior to baking, brush the tops of the loaves with a whisked egg white, which will give them a beautiful golden finish.
Step 6
Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean, ensuring they are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Extra Tips & Suggestions
- 1. Start by storing your freshly baked Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread in an airtight container to seal in the flavors and keep it moist.
- 2. For a unique twist, try wrapping the bread in a clean tea towel before placing it in the container. This will help absorb any excess moisture and keep the bread from becoming soggy.
Reviews
Raymond
March 15, 2025Wow, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a flavor explosion! I can almost taste the zingy citrus paired with the aromatic fennel. Can't wait to try baking this soon!
Elena
March 15, 2025Wow, this zesty fennel and orange bread recipe sounds like a flavor explosion! I can already imagine the delicious combination of citrusy orange and aromatic fennel. Definitely adding this to my must-try list!
Caleb
March 15, 2025Oh my goodness, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe is a flavor explosion! The combination of fennel and orange is absolute magic. I can't get enough of it! Can't wait to bake another batch and
Skylar
March 14, 2025Hey, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe is a flavor explosion! The combination of fennel and orange is just divine. Can't wait to bake this and enjoy it with a cup of tea. Thanks for sharing
Emily
March 12, 2025Wow, this zesty fennel and orange bread recipe sounds absolutely delightful! I can already imagine the burst of flavors in every bite. Can't wait to try it out for myself. Thanks for sharing!
Lara
March 11, 2025Wow, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a burst of sunshine in every bite! Can't wait to try it and fill my kitchen with those beautiful aromas. Thanks for sharing this delightful recipe!
Alexandria
March 10, 2025Wow, your Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe is a total flavor explosion! The combination of fennel and orange is genius. Can't wait to try this out - thanks for sharing your culinary magic!
Jackson
March 6, 2025Wow, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a flavor explosion! I can almost taste the combination of zesty fennel and citrusy orange in every bite. Can't wait to try it out, thanks
Aileen
March 6, 2025Wow, this zesty fennel and orange bread recipe sounds like a flavor explosion! I can't wait to try it out and impress my friends at the next get-together. Thanks for sharing this delightful recipe!
Santiago
March 3, 2025Wow, this zesty fennel and orange bread recipe sounds absolutely delightful! I can already imagine the amazing aroma coming from the oven. I can't wait to try this out and enjoy it with a cup of tea. Thanks for
Sophie
March 3, 2025Wow, your Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds absolutely delightful! I can already imagine the burst of flavors in every bite. Can't wait to give it a try at home! Keep the amazing recipes coming, you're
Alec
March 2, 2025Hey there, this recipe sounds absolutely delicious! The combo of zesty fennel and orange is so unique and refreshing. I can already imagine the aroma and taste - yum! Can't wait to try baking this bread and savor
Liam
March 2, 2025Wow, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a burst of sunshine in every bite! I can already imagine the delightful aroma filling the kitchen. Can't wait to give it a try and enjoy a slice with a
Mayson
February 27, 2025Wow, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a burst of flavor! I can almost taste the citrusy goodness just thinking about it. Can't wait to try it out!
Laney
February 26, 2025Oh my goodness, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a flavor explosion in my mouth! Can't wait to try it out and impress my taste buds. Thanks for sharing this delightful recipe!
Scarlett
February 21, 2025Wow, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a taste explosion! I can already imagine the tangy orange paired with the aromatic fennel - what a delicious combo. Can't wait to try it out and
Camden
February 20, 2025Wow, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a burst of sunshine in every bite! Can't wait to try it and transport myself to a cozy bakery with each slice. Thanks for sharing this deliciousness!
Elin
February 20, 2025Wow, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a burst of sunshine in every bite! Can't wait to try it out and fill my kitchen with the delicious aroma. Thanks for sharing!
Hope
February 19, 2025Wow, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a burst of sunshine in every bite! Can't wait to try it out and bring some zing to my day. Thanks for sharing this deliciousness!
Harlan
February 19, 2025Hey there! Your Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds absolutely delightful! The combination of flavors must be a party in your mouth. Can't wait to try it out! Keep those delicious recipes coming, I'm loving it
Jasiah
February 18, 2025Hey there! Just wanted to say your Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe is a taste sensation! The combination of flavors is spot on - a perfect balance of zesty and sweet. Can't wait to bake it again soon
Riley
February 18, 2025Wow, this Zesty Fennel and Orange Bread recipe sounds like a flavor explosion! I can almost taste the combination of tangy orange and aromatic fennel. Can't wait to try it out at my next brunch gathering!