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Panettone
This classic Italian bread is associated with Christmas and this simple panettone recipe will give you a light and buttery loaf.
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Makes: 1 loaf
Ingredients
  • 400 g (14 oz) bread flour
  • 150 g (5 oz) butter
  • 120 g (4 fl oz) lukewarm milk
  • 115 g (4 oz) candied mixed peel
  • 75 g (2½ oz) raisins
  • 75 g (2½ oz) sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 egg yolks, beaten
  • 2 tsp dried yeast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Melted butter for glazing
Instructions
  1. Add the yeast to the milk and leave for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to get going.
  2. Mix the flour and the salt in a large bowl. Make a pronounced well in the centre and pour in the milk/yeast and the two beaten eggs.
  3. Slowly incorporate flour into the mixture to create a thick paste in the middle of the bowl which is surrounded by flour.
  4. Flick some of the unmixed flour on top of the paste to cover it, then leave in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
  5. Add the egg yolks and the sugar and mix to a smooth dough.
  6. Add the butter to the dough and work to incorporate the butter fully.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead it for 10 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball.
  8. Place the dough in a lightly-oiled bowl, cover and leave it at room temperature or below until the dough has doubled in size.
  9. Meanwhile, take a 15cm (6") cake tin, grease the inside and line the bottom with baking paper. Line the inside walls of the cake tin with two sheets of baking paper such that the total height of the baking paper is about 20cm (8").
  10. Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and knock it back to de-gas it.
  11. Sprinkle on the peel and raisins onto the flattened dough. Fold the dough up and knead it gently for about 2 minutes to incorporate the dried fruit.
  12. Place the dough in the prepared tin, cover and leave at room temperature to allow the dough to rise.
  13. Brush the top of the dough with melted butter and cut a cross in the top of the loaf.
  14. Bake at 175°C/350°F fan oven, 190°C/375°F conventional oven for 20 minutes.
  15. Remove from the oven and brush the top of the loaf with melted butter. Return to the oven at 165°C/330°F fan oven, 180°C/355°F conventional oven for 20-25 minutes.
  16. Allow the panettone to cool for about 10 minutes before attempting to remove it from the tin.
Notes
The most important thing to bear in mind when making panetonne is not to let the dough get too warm. If it does the resulting loaf will be greasy as the butter separates from the dough. If your initial dough refuses to come together simply put it in a bowl and place it in the fridge for about an hour.