Ingredients
Method
Making the Dough
- Mix the warm water and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let site for 3-5 minutes and allow the yeast to bloom.
- Add in olive oil and maple syrup. Whisk to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix the spelt flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. In batches, gradually add the flour mixture into the yeast mixture. The ingredients should come together to form a dough.
- Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes(if kneading by hand. This time will be shorter if using a stand mixer). The dough will be smooth and tacky and should be able to pass the “window-pane” test (see lessons)
- Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a towel. Let proof for one hour or until doubled in size.
Braiding the Bread
- Punch down the dough and turn out onto a well-floured surface.
- Divide the dough into four different sections. Each section is divided into three parts and each part is shaped into a long thread.
- Attach the bread threads together at one point (only work with 3 sections at a time). Braid the bread and connect at the other end.
- Repeat on the other three sections.
- Cover the bread with a towel or plastic wrap and let the bread proof for another thirty minutes or until grown by at least fifty percent.
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while the bread is proofing.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is cooked through. It should sound hollow when the bottom is knocked.
- Let cool for about 10 to 15 minutes on a wire rack.
- Enjoy!!