Chocolate Almond Maize Bread

This delightful bread combines the rich flavors of chocolate and almonds with a soft, comforting texture. The bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. Its sweet and nutty taste is complemented by the creamy blend of milk and cocoa, creating a delightful experience for the palate. It's relatively simple to make and involves some classic baking techniques that result in a loaf that's both beautiful and delicious. Utilizing fresh yeast in the dough adds a lovely depth of flavor and a wonderfully airy structure. The dough is enriched with butter and eggs, delivering a moist crumb that contrasts nicely with the crunchy almond topping. As the bread bakes, the aroma fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that makes it hard to resist. The chocolate and almond maize bread is versatile, easily adaptable with various nuts or sweeteners. The recipe provides an enjoyable baking session, culminating in a homemade treat that embodies comfort and indulgence.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 135 ml milk
• 15 g fresh yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar (or 5-7 tablespoons for a sweeter bread)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 50 g butter or margarine (plus 30 g for greasing)
• Approximately 300 g flour
• 1 tablespoon oil (for greasing the bowl)
• 1 egg
• A handful of almond flakes or chopped nuts

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Preparation and Cook Time: 60 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook, 90 minutes proofing

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by warming half of the milk and dissolving the yeast with half of the sugar in it.
2. Heat the other half of the milk and melt in the butter.
3. Lightly beat the egg with the salt and remaining sugar.
4. Combine both milk mixtures and stir in the egg.
5. Add in the flour, cocoa powder, and almond flakes.
6. Knead the dough until smooth, place it in a bowl greased with oil, and cover with plastic wrap.
7. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
8. Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 40 cm by 17 cm.
9. Divide the dough vertically into 8 pieces, each about 17 cm long and 5 cm wide.
10. Melt the remaining butter or margarine.
11. Brush each piece of dough with the melted butter.
12. Fold each piece by bringing the outer edges to the center, brush with more butter, and then fold in half.
13. Arrange the folded pieces in a buttered baking dish with the open edge down.
14. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes.
15. Once risen, brush with the rest of the butter, sprinkle with almond flakes, and bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes.
16. Let the bread cool slightly before removing it from the pan.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use margarine for a dairy-free option or substitute cocoa powder with carob powder for a different flavor.
• Techniques: Ensuring the milk is warm (not hot) is vital for activating the yeast.
• Add-ins: Experiment by adding cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Nutritions

This section can include general estimates, such as:

• Calories: 220 per serving
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 10 g
• Carbs: 30 g

Variations

• Swap almond flakes for hazelnuts or walnuts for a different nutty taste.
• Try using a dark chocolate cocoa powder for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert.
• Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat.

Best Places

• Le Pain Quotidien - Charming bakery known for its artisan breads.
  Location: 18 Rue de la Pompe, Paris, France

• Balthazar Bakery - Classic New York bakery offering a variety of fresh-baked goods.
  Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA

• Princi - Modern Milanese bakery that's popular for its Italian-style bread.
  Location: 135 Wardour St, London, UK

• Baluard Barceloneta - Renowned bakery in the heart of Barcelona offering rustic breads.
  Location: Carrer del Baluard, 38, Barcelona, Spain

• Tartine Bakery - Famed San Francisco bakery known for its hearty bread and pastries.
  Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA

• La Brea Bakery - Pioneer of artisanal breads, offering a wide selection.
  Location: 468 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, USA

• Poca Bakery - Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious baked goods.
  Location: Rua Gonçalo Cristóvão 273, Porto, Portugal

• De Superette - Hybrid bakery from a celebrated chef.
  Location: Guldensporenstraat 29, Gent, Belgium

• Baker D. Chirico - Melbourne bakery famed for its innovative twist on classic breads.
  Location: 178 Faraday St, Carlton, Australia

• Kotz Bakery - Small family-run bakery with a long tradition.
  Location: Rämistrasse 24, Zürich, Switzerland