• 1+1/8 cups ((280 ml) tepid water
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) brown sugar
• 2 tsp (10 ml) fast or active dry yeast
• 1½ tsp (7ml) salt
• 1½ tbsp (23 ml) dry milk powder
• 3 cups (426 gm) white bread flour
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup
• 1½ tsp (7 ml) maple extract
• 1/2 cup (30 gm) chopped walnuts
• 10 dried apricots, diced
• 1/2 cup (100 gm) sultana raisins

Place water in a large mixing bowl and add the brown sugar, yeast and salt.

When mixture has started to bubble, add the dried milk powder, flour, melted butter, maple syrup and extract.

Mix with a large metal spoon and then use fingers to combine to a dough.

Mix and knead really well.

Do not add very much flour during kneading as this will spoil the results.

Knead until smooth and sticky and then combine the dough with the dried fruits and nuts until well mixed.

Place dough in a well-greased large bowl and cover, allowing to rise for about two hours until doubled in volume.

Punch down and knead lightly then form into the desired shape.

Transfer to a greased round baking tray.

Cover loosely and allow to rise for at least one more hour.

Brush with egg wash and bake at 350°F or 180°C for 30-35 minutes until browned and interior is fully-baked .

When cool drizzle with icing mixture if desired.

by Pak101.com (few years ago!) / 1056 views