Panettone is essentially a sweet bread, which is traditionally eaten around Christmas. Originating from Milan this delicious treat is great curled up with an indulgent long coffee! Their are many variations to the traditional citrus zest flavour such as with chocolate chips or completely plain - but I think the original is the best! It can be enjoyed as breakfast, afternoon tea or dessert...the perfect Italian treat!
Ingredients-
7 g active dry yeast
235 ml warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
50 g white sugar
2 eggs 120 ml
Low fat plain yogurt
5 ml vanilla extract
6 g grated lemon zest
2 g salt
500 g unbleached all-purpose flour
70 g dried currants
50 g raisins
8 g confectioners' sugar
15 g butter, melted (optional)
235 ml warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
50 g white sugar
2 eggs 120 ml
Low fat plain yogurt
5 ml vanilla extract
6 g grated lemon zest
2 g salt
500 g unbleached all-purpose flour
70 g dried currants
50 g raisins
8 g confectioners' sugar
15 g butter, melted (optional)
Directions-
In a medium bowl, combine yeast, sugar and water. Cover and let it stand 10 minutes, or until foamy.Add eggs, yogurt, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt. Mix well.
Stir in flour 1/2 cup at a time until dough forms into a manageable ball shape.
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary, until dough is soft and pliable, but not sticky. (May need up to 5 cups flour.) Place dough in a large, lightly pan-sprayed bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This should take about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a round 8-inch cake pan with butter. In a small bowl, toss dried fruit with confectioners' sugar. Punch down dough in bowl, transfer to floured surface, and knead in the fruit. Form the dough into a ball, place in prepared cake pan, cover it loosely with a dish towel, and let it rise for 30 minutes. (The loaf will rise above the pan sides.)
Brush with melted butter.Bake for 45 minutes, or until loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Makes 10 wedges.
Happy Christmas or Buon Natale as the Italians say!
Remember if you still have some last minute shopping to do, why not check out our Italian gifts pages, or maybe you know a very luck cook that deserves the gift of one of our cooking holidays!
