This really isn’t the bread making time of year but since I am a teacher and off in the summers, I make bread. This is my version of a chocolate twist bread. I haven’t quite perfected the shape yet but the taste is a-maz-ing! I have filled the bread with chocolate, almonds and cinnamon. The almonds are completely optional. My son is not allergic to almonds, just peanuts so when I can source peanut free almonds, I like baking with them. If you don’t bake with any nuts, then add more chocolate. Yes, more chocolate! Nothing wrong with that! You can also jazz it up with different flavours like orange, coconut, cardamon, cherries, etc.

Chocolate Twist Bread

In a small bowl, mix together and let the yeast activate:

• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 2 and 1/2 tsp yeast

In a small saucepan, combine and warm until the butter is just melted:

• 1 and 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (equal to 2 eggs)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 and 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar

After the yeast is activated and the milk mixture is at room temperature, combine in a stand mixer and add in flour, starting with 3 cups first:

• 5 1/2 to 6 cups all purpose flour

Once you have added in and mixed the 3 cups, slowly add in the remaining flour until a soft and slightly sticky dough is formed. When it is throughly kneaded, dust with flour and let raise for 1 hour or until double in size.

After the first raise, roll out until 15 by 15 inch square. Cut in half so you have two 15 by 7.5 inch pieces to fill, cut and roll separately.

In food processor, combine and pulse until a few chunks remain:

• 3/4 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup almonds (optional)

Divide filling between the two pieces of rolled out dough and then roll up each separately. Cut each roll down the middle and twist the 2 pieces together. Some of the filling will fall out but you can just sprinkle it on top after you get it on the pan. I recommend rolling and twisting on the parchment paper you will bake on to make the transfer easier. You will end up with 2 double twisted loaves.

Let raise for another 30 minutes until proofed. At this point, it will look like this:

Brush with cream before baking. Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 45 minutes on a large parchment lined cookie sheet.