Walnut Bread

I got this recipe from one of my Italian cook books by Gabriella Mariotti.    This bread is really easy to make and has a different taste along with texture.  I like eating this bread toasted because the walnuts have even more flavor.  You can just eat it plain but I like it with jam or use it for turkey sandwhiches.  For this bread you will need :

4 cups bread flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp rapid-rise dried yeast
1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts
4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 2/3 cups luke warm water
4 tbsp olive oil

Put the yeast in the luke warm water (approximately 110 degrees F.)  Put this aside and start mixing together your ingredients.  Sift the flour and the salt into a large bowl.  Add the walnuts and parsley and  mix with a wooden spoon. 

Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour the yeast-water, and oil.  Mix together until the dough comes together.  Place the dough on a lightly foured surgace and knead for about 10 minutes.  Place in a greased bowl, cover, and place in a warm place for about an hour.  The dough should rise to about twice its size.

Punch down the dough after it has risen four about an hour.  knead for another 2 inutes and divide in half.  Shape the two pieces into loafs and place on a greased bakking sheet.  Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes. 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Remove plastic wrap and slightly slash each loaf on the top.  Beat one egg in a small bowl and brush over the top of the bread, this will give it a nice shiny look.  Bake for about 10 minutes and the reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.  Bake for another 25-30 minutes until the loaves have a hollow sound when tapped.