January 17, 2009

American Chocolate Bread

1 1/2 c All-purpose flour or bread flour
1 c Warm water (105 - 115 F)
2 Envelopes dry yeast
2 tb Honey
Dough:
1 c Lukewarm milk (95 F)
3 tb Butter, melted
4 To 5 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
8 oz Semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 Egg beaten with 2 Tbs whipping cream (glaze)
Sugar
Makes 8 small loaves

Sponge:
For sponge:
Whisk flour, water, yeast and honey in large bowl until
smooth. cover with plastic. Let stand in warm draft-free area 1 hour.
For dough: Stir down sponge, using wooden spoon. Blend in milk,
butter and salt. Mix in enough flour 1/2 cup at a time to form soft
dough. Knead on floured surface until smooth and no longer sticky,
adding more flour if necessary, about 10 minutes.
Grease large bowl. Add dough, turning to coat entire surface. Cover
bowl with plastic. Let rise in warm draft-free area until doubled, about
1 1/4 hours.
Grease eight 2 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans. Gently knead dough on
lightly floured surface until deflated. Pat out to 3/4 inch-thick
rectangle. Cut into 8 even pieces. Pat each out into 4x7-inch rectangle.
Spread 1 ounce chocolate on short end of each. Roll up jelly roll
fashion. Pinch seam and ends to seal. Arrange seam side down in
prepared pans. Cover with kitchen towel. Let rise for 15 minutes to
lighten.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Brush loaves with egg glaze and
sprinkle with sugar. Bake until light brown and loaves sound hollow
when tapped on bottom, about 30 minutes. Immediately remove from
pans. Cool on racks 10 minutes. Serve loaves hot.