FRENCH HEARTH BREAD

French Hearth Bread image

Provided by C G

Time 2h5m

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 oz whole milk
3 oz warm water
4 Tbsp butter (not margarine!)
2 3/4 c unbleached white flour
1/4 c whole wheat flour
2 tsp salt
6 Tbsp walnuts, coarsely chopped or finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

Steps:

1. Gently heat the milk, water and butter in a saucepan on low just until the butter starts to soften and the milk is warm (but not hot!). Set aside.
2. In a KitchenAid stand up mixer with the flat beater attachment combine the unbleached white flour, wheat flour, salt, chopped walnuts and active dry yeast.
3. Switch to the kneading attachment and pour in the milk mixture. Knead for a few minutes until the dough is no longer sticky. Let dough rest-covered for 1 hour.
4. Sprinkle a small amount of flour on a cutting board. Knead the bread dough a few times then shape into 1 or 2 boules or similar shape.
5. Arrange the boule(s) on a parchment lined baking tray. Place in a *warm oven and let rise for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and leave the boules in the oven while the bread rises. *We have a KEEP WARM feature on our range. I turn on the KEEP WARM feature and as soon as it comes to temperature I turn it off and allow the bread to rise.
6. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the bread is lightly brown and hollow when tapped. Set aside to cool on wire racks. Good toasted, too!