This yeasted bread is lightly spiced and not too sweet.

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 1 c. half and half, scalded
• 3 tbs. maple syrup
• 2 1/4 tsp. (1 package) instant yeast
• 1 tbs. orange zest
• 1/4 c. orange juice
• 1/4 c. salted butter, melted
• 1 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tbsp.ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp. ground tumeric
• 3 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 c. dried currants
• 1/2 c. slivered, blanched almonds

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tbs. half and half
• 1 tbs. maple syrup
• pinch of kosher salt

Stir together the half and half, maple syrup, and yeast. Let sit for ten minutes, or until frothy. Whisk together the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and butter. Add to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Add the salt, cinnamon, cardamom, tumeric, and flour. Mix to form dough. Add the currants and almonds. Knead the dough until a smooth, elastic dough forms, about 8-10 minutes.

Cover the dough with greased plastic wrap and let rise for 45-50 minutes.

Gently punch down the dough, then place into a greased loaf pan. (I used a Rehrücken pan.) Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise another 45-50 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Whisk together the egg yolk, half and half, maple syrup, and salt. Brush the dough with the egg wash. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.