Orange Blossom Brioche Bread

This months baking partners challenge recipe is Brioche. It is a rich and unique French bread. It is a kind of tender pastry bread with eggs and butter. It is often used as a base for many desserts too.This bread is flavored with orange blossom water. This recipe suggested by Swathi is adapted from Dominique Ansel's book The Secret Recipes. I have never tried baking the Brioche bread and was little intimidated in the beginning. I am glad I tried this recipe. Thanks Swathi.

Ingredients

Bread flour- 2 cups

Salt- 1/2 tsp

Sugar- 1/4 cup

Yeast- 2 1/4 tsp

Eggs-4

Whole milk- 1 tbs

Unsalted cold butter- 8-10 tbs

Orange blossom water- 1 tsp

Orange extract- a few drops

Flour for dusting

In a bowl combine, bread flour, salt, sugar,yeast and eggs and mix well.
Mix until everything is combined and knead for 10 minutes in low speed so that it forms gluten. The dough at this stage will leave the sides of the bowl and when pulling gently will stretch without tearing.
Cut cold butter into cubes and knead the butter to the dough. Add orange blossom water and extract and continue kneading till the dough is sticky but at the same time shiny and smooth.
Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to proof till double the size. It will take 1 1/2 hours. When it proofs up properly, punch down, flatten and fold. Wrap this with plastic and refrigerate overnight.
When you are ready to bake,transfer dough to a slightly floured surface.
Divide into equal portions and shape into balls or logs. Grease baking tins and transfer the balls, brush the top with egg wash and set aside for second proofing for 45 minutes.
Bake 375 degree F. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Leave in the pan for 5 minutes and then gently remove them from the pan. Allow to cool down and serve with the topping you like.