Heart Braid Bread

Looking for a delicious and visually stunning bread recipe to impress your loved ones? Look no further than this Heart Braid Bread recipe. With a perfect combination of sweetness and a beautiful heart-shaped presentation, this bread is bound to be a hit at any gathering!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups hot water (110 degrees)

- 1/2 cup oil

- 2 tbsp of sucant

- 1/2 cup honey

- 2 tsp salt

- 1/4 cup flaxseed

- 5 - 5 1/2 cups fresh milled flour (or more if needed)

- 4 tsp instant yeast

Instructions

Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine the hot water, oil, honey, and salt.

2. Add 1/4 cup of flaxseed and 2 cups of fresh milled flour to the mixture. Mix until a batter forms. Sprinkle the yeast over the batter and continue mixing.

3. Gradually add more flour until a soft dough ball forms. The dough should feel smooth and elastic. Knead the dough for 8 minutes.

4. Let the dough rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.

Heart Braid:

1. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle shape.

2. Pre-cut a heart shape out of parchment paper to use as a guide for shaping your dough.

3. Spread a layer of butter over the dough. Drizzle some honey and sprinkle an even layer of cinnamon.

4. Lay the other half of the dough on top and gently press them together.

5. Make 1-inch cuts starting at the bottom of the heart in a pie shape, slicing through both layers of dough. Twist each slice gently.

6. Once all the individual slices have been twisted, start adding them together to form the heart braid.

7. Transfer the heart braid onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. Once again, let the dough proof for 30 minutes. In a warm place.

9. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

10. Once the bread is out of the oven, you can dress it with sucanat or honey for an added touch of sweetness.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in some homemade goodness, this bread will surely steal the hearts of anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy!