In response to a request on my weblog from Heather, I thought I'd share two of my favourite bread recipes.

3 3/4 cups bread flour
2 packages active dry yeast
1 tsps. kosher salt
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup hot water (120 to 130 degrees)
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon olive oil & extra for oiling bowl and pan

Combine dry ingredients and blend well with an electric mixer.
Combine one whole egg, one egg yolk (reserve egg white for later) water, honey and oil, mix well.
Add liquid to dry ingredients and mix vigorously.
Knead dough with hook attachment or by hand, working until smooth and elastic, adding additional flour (in small amounts) if necessary.

Coat a bowl with a very (very!) small amount of oil and place the kneaded dough into the bowl, rotating to coat with oil.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a damp towel.
Place the bowl in a warm place and allow the dough to rise for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, punch the dough down and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into 12 even pieces and shape into balls.
Arrange in a greased 9 inch cake pan.
Lightly beat reserved egg white, and brush over top of rolls.
Cover with damp towel and allow to rise until doubled - approximately 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350F (175C)
Bake rolls about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Irish Soda Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup  sugar
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup raisins, plumped
2 eggs
1 tablespoon caraway seed (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Beat the eggs, then mix with buttermilk and combine well.
Add the egg mixture into the flour mixture and combine well.
Stir in the plumped raisins. (Plump raisins by soaking in hot water for30 minutes prior to use - drain well!)
Pour dough onto lightly floured board.
Shape into a round loaf, adding flour if the dough is too sticky or loose.
Place in a lightly greased springform pan.
If desired, sprinkle loaf with caraway seeds.
Bake at 350F (175C) for 1 hour.

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