Cranberry Walnut Artisan Bread

This is one of the special breads that I make for the Farmer's Market this time of year. I think it looks so festive done up as a braid with the dried cranberries! This recipe makes two braided loaves or one 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf.

Cranberry Walnut Bread
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon dried orange peel
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons bread machine yeast OR 1 packet active dry yeast (If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk before combining with the remaining ingredients.)

Mix, knead and let your dough rise until doubled using your favorite method; bread machine, manual or stand mixer. Divide dough in half and then divide each half into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 15 inches long. Braid the three pieces together and pinch the ends together well. Tuck the ends underneath the braid and place on an ungreased baking sheet.

 Let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled.

Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack and cool completely.

Linking to the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop over at Deborah Jean's Dandelion House! Make sure to go visit and see what all the other Farmgirls are up to! :)