Sweet bread with peaches and almonds

Sweet bread with peaches and almonds: a recipe that combines the delicate flavors of peaches with the crunchy texture of almonds, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. This recipe is not only a delicious choice but also a delightful cooking experience, filled with moments of indulgence and joy. Let's venture together into the fragrant world of sweet bread!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 320 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 100 ml lukewarm water
- 40 g butter
- 3 tablespoons fructose (or sugar, to taste)
- 110 g peach puree (about 2-3 ripe peaches)
- 1 egg
- 5 tablespoons ground almonds
- 1 peach (for dicing)
- a pinch of ground cinnamon
- powdered sugar (for decoration)

Before we begin, let’s delve a little into the history of this recipe. Sweet bread has been, over the centuries, a way to transform simple ingredients into delicious dishes that bring joy to people's homes. Ingredients like fruits and nuts have been added to provide a note of flavor and complexity, and their combination with the risen dough adds a festive and convivial atmosphere. Now, let’s get to work!

Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by placing the flour in a large bowl, forming a well in the center. In this well, add the crumbled fresh yeast. It is essential to use fresh yeast to achieve a fluffy bread. Then, pour the lukewarm water over the yeast. It is important that the water is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes in a warm place, covered with a towel, until it begins to bubble.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
Once the yeast is activated, add the beaten egg, melted butter, and peach puree to the mixture. The peach puree can be made at home by blending ripe peaches or you can buy it ready-made. Then, gradually incorporate the ground almonds. The dough will be quite soft and sticky, but don't worry, this is the desired texture. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 30-40 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the peaches
Meanwhile, to add a note of freshness and flavor, wash the remaining peach and cut it into small cubes. Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over them. This spice will enhance the fruit's aroma and add a warm, comforting note.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Once the dough has risen, add the diced peaches to the dough and gently mix to incorporate them. Be gentle; you don’t want to crush the fruit cubes. After the peaches are well distributed, transfer the dough to a greased loaf pan or lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the sweet bread for about 40 minutes or until it is nicely browned and passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean from the center of the bread). Be patient; the aroma that will fill your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 6: Finishing and serving
After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack. When it is still warm, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and added sweetness. This sweet bread is perfectly served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal companion for a relaxing afternoon.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to add extra texture, you can use whole almonds, lightly toasted in a pan, instead of ground almonds.
- Experiment with other fruits, such as apricots or apples, to diversify the recipe.
- The sweet bread keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days, and the flavor improves even after a day.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, but make sure to use an equivalent amount, usually 7 g of dry yeast replaces 25 g of fresh yeast.
2. What other spices can I add?
You can also add nutmeg or vanilla for extra flavor.
3. How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the egg with a ripe banana or a mix of flaxseeds and water and use margarine instead of butter.

Nutritional benefits:
This sweet bread with peaches and almonds provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats from almonds. Peaches add vitamins and antioxidants, making this recipe a delicious and nourishing choice.

I hope this recipe inspires you to get cooking and enjoy a delightful moment with your loved ones! Sweet bread with peaches and almonds is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that brings smiles and warmth in every slice. Enjoy!