Bee Hive bread is a delightful and versatile treat that brings the warmth of home-baked goodness to your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and delicious results.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, this bread can be stuffed with your choice of fillings like cheese or Nutella. Let’s dive into this unique and original recipe that promises to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of warm milk
Method:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the yeast and baking powder.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the vegetable oil and the egg. Begin mixing slowly.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk while mixing continuously. The warmth of the milk helps activate the yeast, leading to a better rise in the dough.
- Continue mixing until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough starts to come together. At this stage, you can use your hands to knead the dough until it forms a smooth and homogeneous paste.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Once the dough is well-mixed, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. This helps to retain moisture and warmth, creating an ideal environment for the dough to rise.
- Place the covered bowl in a warm, draft-free area of your kitchen. Allow the dough to rest and rise for about an hour. This resting period is crucial as it enables the yeast to ferment, making the dough airy and light.
- Shape and Fill the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into small, equal-sized portions. Roll each portion into a small disk using your hands or a rolling pin.
- If desired, place a small amount of your chosen filling (cheese or Nutella) in the center of each disk. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pinching them together, forming a small ball. Make sure the filling is completely enclosed to prevent any leakage during baking.
- Second Rise:
- Arrange the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each ball to allow for expansion.
- Cover the dough balls lightly with a kitchen towel and let them rest for an additional 30 minutes. This second rise helps the dough balls to become even more fluffy and tender.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is resting for the second time.
- Once the oven is heated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the dough balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Finishing Touches:
- Remove the Bee Hive bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, you can brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with a little sugar while they are still warm.
Conclusion:
Bee Hive bread is a versatile and delightful addition to any meal. The combination of a soft, fluffy dough with your choice of sweet or savory fillings makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated as a quick snack, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!
