Gourmet Panettone Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
• 1/2 cup chopped candied lemon peel
• 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash
• 1/4 cup apricot jam, warmed and strained, for glaze

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand for 10 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine milk, butter, sugar, and eggs and mix until well combined.
4. Add in the yeast mixture and flour mixture and knead on low speed for 10 minutes.
5. Add in the raisins, candied orange and lemon peel, dark chocolate, and sliced almonds and continue kneading until they’re well distributed into the dough.
6. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
7. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf into a panettone mold or a tall, round baking pan.
8. Cover the panettone loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F and brush the surface of the panettone with egg wash.
10. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the mold for about 10 minutes.
12. Remove from the mold and brush with the apricot jam glaze.

Verdict:

This gourmet panettone recipe is perfect for special occasions. The combination of raisins, candied fruit, dark chocolate, and sliced almonds makes it an indulgent treat. The bread is moist and dense, and the apricot glaze gives it a nice sheen. It’s best served warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the panettone on its own or with whipped cream and fresh berries.
• Slice it into wedges and toast them until slightly crispy, then spread with butter or Nutella.
• Use the panettone in bread pudding or French toast recipes.