This is an Italian special recipe for a delicious chocolate bread! In Italy it is the custom to serve this dessert bread with Mascarpone or Gorgonzola cheese and a glass of red wine, ultimate bliss! Ingredients
Makes 2 loaves
450 g strong plain flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp caster sugar
2 tsp easy-blend dried yeast
2 tbsp cocoa powder
75 g plain chocolate chips
melted butter, for brushing
1. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl, cut in the butter with a knife, then stir in the sugar, yeast and cocoa powder.
2. Gradually add 300 ml of tepid water to the flour mixture, and gather the dough together with your hands.
3. Turn the dough out on to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Cut the dough in half and knead half the chocolate chips into each piece of dough until they are evenly distributed. Shape into rounds, place on lightly oiled baking sheets and cover with oiled clear film. Leave to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until the dough has doubled in bulk.
5. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Bake the loaves for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 190°C and bake for a further 15-20 minutes.
6. Place the loaves on a wire rack and brush with butter. Cover with a tea towel and leave to cool.
Enjoy!
