September 24, 2011

Pane Al Cioccolato

A slightly sweet Italian bread, I've read this recipe several times in my Best Ever Book of Breads, but haven't had all of the ingredients to make it until now. 

Ingredients: 3 Cups Unbleached White Bread Flour
1 1/2 Tbls. Cocoa Powder (Unsweetened)
1/2 tsp. Salt
2 Tbls. Sugar
1/2 oz. Fresh Yeast 
1 Cup Water (lukewarm)
2 Tbls. Butter (softened)
3 oz. Plain Continental Chocolate (coarsely chopped)
(Extra Butter for brushing)

In a large bowl, combine the Flour

Cocoa

And Salt, mixing thoroughly

Stir in the Sugar and make a well in the center

In a separate cup, cream together the Yeast

And four Tbls. warm Water

Then stir in the rest of the Water

Pour the Yeast mixture into the Flour

Mixing gradually until a Dough forms

Knead the softened Butter into the Dough

Then knead on a lightly Floured surface until smooth and elastic

Place the Dough into a lightly Oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave to rise for one hour (or until doubled in size)

Punch down the Dough

Then turn out onto a lightly Floured surface

Gently knead in the Chocolate pieces

Roll into a ball and let rest five minutes

Shape the Dough into a round and place into a lightly Oiled pan until doubled in size (about forty five minutes)

Once the Dough has reached the top of the pan, place into a preheated oven at 425F for ten minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375F and continue baking an extra twenty five to thirty minutes

Remove the Bread from the oven and brush with melted Butter, then let cool thoroughly 

Once cool, slice and enjoy

When the Bread was removed from the oven the top was very hard, I worried it had been overcooked. Luckily after brushing with the Butter and leaving to cool, it softened back up (as I knew it would) so no need to worry if yours comes out the same way. The flavor is light, not to overbearingly sweet, just enough to give a hint of Chocolate on the palate. The Bread is super soft and would be good covered in Honey, Butter, extra Chocolate sauce, or anything your mind can think of.

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