The Bread Baker’s Apprentice, Cranberry-Walnut Celebration Bread (infused with Kahlua)
Catching up with the fold of bread baker’s as we journey onward, baking the recipes from Peter Reinhart’s, The Bread Baker’s Apprentice. Peter Reinhart’s blog is posted at, www.PeterReinhart.typepad.com
This lovely challenge is brought to us by Nicole of, www.pinchmysalt.com .
I dedicate this bake to Nicole and Peter.
This bread can be prepped and baked all within a day. However, after receiving a panicked phone call from a frantic college kid, I stopped in my tracks (after the mixing of the dough). Into the refrigerator, and retarded for one full day, I allowed the dough to sit at room temp for one hour before I weighed and scored it, braided and placed it for it’s final rise. One hour and fifteen minutes later I baked her per instructions noted in that lovely book, The Bread Baker’s Apprentice.
Sometimes we simply know that we are, ‘in-the-zone’, and so it was, finally, after days of procrastination (and being held hostage by a hand-sewing project), I ventured back into my kitchen.
I’d purchased large raisins last week with the intention of using them in this bake. Mainly because I frown upon dried cranberries. There’s just something about that item that I find unappetizing. The shriveled skins, or perhaps the mere fact, I am so dedicated to the fresh, crisp, and tart fruit when it’s in season. I never bother with those little buggers in the bag, and yet I had to stop myself before going forward.
“There has to be a reason Peter Reinhart uses them in this bread”…..so off I went to Wally’s World, succumbing to the purchase of a bag, only to find myself tinkering with them once we journeyed home. Three tablespoons of Kahlua later, a few days to soak, and it was time to go for the bake.
They plumped up nicely and exuded a somewhat mystical aroma when baking within their lair.
Rolling and prepping for a piggy-back ride.
There’s a small braid atop a larger braid. Can you see the two?
Beauty is tempting me, but I’m on that diet. (I’m sneaking a piece at dinner time. Shhh…don’t tell on me.)
Bread is a beautiful journey. :)
CoffeeGrounded's Blog 
I almost ate the picture. Tell me about your hand sewing project. I’ve made our kids each a crazy quilt during the past half-dozen years. Nothing gorgeous, nothing you’d take to the fair. But in my old age I traded my motorcycle for a Singer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m currently working on hand quilting my Granddoggie a blanket. Cliff and I have no grandchildren, so I spoil the doggies.
Scott, I read about the Google bike. Wow! Maybe I would never scrape my knees or elbows again, but I won’t burn any calories. :(
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have grands and greats as well, but we also have Mr. Black, a dog we rescued from the shelter 11 years ago. Mr. Black is the most soiled of the lot.
Several years ago Barb and I attended a tandem bicycle rally in Oklahoma. We’d rented a cabin at the resort and while resting between events I noticed his water dish was near empty. I went to fill it, but Barb stopped me. She’d brought bottled water him. I was expected to drink from the tap. I guess I learned the pecking order that day. :-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like your wife. We must be sisters. Hannah, my doggie is ten years old. And yes, I made her a blanket. ☕️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Celebration bread was UGLY but tasty! Your loaf looks divine!
LikeLike
That is some lovely bread. And a great idea to soak the dried cranberries in Kahlua!!
LikeLike