Saffron Bread
Course
Breads
Servings
2
loaves
Servings
2
loaves
Ingredients
1
tsp
saffron threads
1/2
c
hot water
2
c
milk
1/2
c
butter
1-2
Tbl
grated lemon peel
1 1/2
Tbl
active dry yeast
1/2
c
sugar
1/2
tsp
nutmeg or mace
5-6
c
flour
1-2
c
raisins
soaked in water if dry
Instructions
Steep the saffron in the hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine milk and butter in a saucepan, heat until the butter is melted.
Cool, then add lemon peel.
Sprinkle the yeast into the milk mixture when lukewarm, let stand for 5 minutes to dissolve.
Add the sugar, nutmeg, 4 cups flour and the saffron mixture.
Beat until smooth.
If soaking raisins, drain water.
Add raisins to dough along with another 1 cup of flour.
Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Punch down and knead on a lightly floured board until smooth.
Shape into a loaf and place in two oiled 4 by 9 inch bread pans.
Cover with damp towel.
Let rise until doubled.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for about an hour.
Cool for 10 minutes in pan before turning out on a wire rack to finish cooling.
Cool completely before slicing.