Dried Cherry and Walnut Bread

Steps

• 1

  In large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of the flour, sugar and yeast. Add warm water and oil. Beat with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently. Beat on medium speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently.
• 2

  Stir in 1 3/4 cups of the remaining flour, walnuts, cherries, orange peel and salt using wooden spoon until dough pulls away from side of bowl and forms sticky ball. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Knead 2 to 3 minutes or until dough is smooth and springy, using enough of the remaining 1/2 cup flour as necessary to form into smooth ball.
• 3

  Grease large bowl with oil. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease all sides. Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap; let rise in warm place 1 hour or until dough has doubled in size.
• 4

  Lightly grease large cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray; sprinkle with cornmeal. Gently push fist into dough to deflate. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Gently shape into smooth ball by stretching surface of dough around to bottom on all sides; pinch bottom to seal. Place on cookie sheet. Cover dough loosely with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray; let rise in warm place 30 to 40 minutes or until doubled in size.
• 5

  Heat oven to 350°F. Brush top of loaf with milk. Using serrated knife, cut 3 (1/4-inch-deep) slashes across top of dough. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until loaf is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 1 hour.