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Baking homemade bread is not only a culinary art but also a heartwarming experience that brings comfort and nourishment to the table. There’s a unique satisfaction in kneading dough, watching it rise, and ultimately enjoying a warm slice straight from the oven. Among the myriad of bread recipes, spelt bread stands out for its wholesome qualities and rich, nutty flavor. Today, we dive into the delightful world of Harvest Pumpkin & Walnut Spelt Bread—a seasonal treat that combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the crunchy goodness of walnuts.

Pumpkin & Walnut Spelt Bread

Discover the joy of baking with this heartwarming recipe for Harvest Pumpkin & Walnut Spelt Bread. Perfect for autumn, this nutritious loaf blends the earthiness of pumpkin with crunchy walnuts, creating a delicious and wholesome treat. Made with whole spelt flour, it's rich in fiber and protein, making it a healthier alternative to regular bread. Enjoy warm slices with butter or make delightful sandwiches, and embrace the comforting experience of homemade baking!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups whole spelt flour

1 cup unsweetened canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup warm water (around 110°F or 45°C)

2 teaspoons instant yeast

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

Optional: 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for topping

Instructions
 

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it develops a frothy top.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole spelt flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ground cloves until thoroughly combined and free of lumps.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, honey (or maple syrup), and olive oil until the mixture is smooth and free from any pumpkin lumps.

        Form the Dough: Pour the frothy yeast mixture along with the pumpkin mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until a shaggy dough begins to form. Add the chopped walnuts and mix until they are evenly incorporated into the dough.

          Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more whole spelt flour as needed until it is manageable.

            First Rise: Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Turn the dough to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

              Shape the Bread: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any accumulated air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls, depending on your preference.

                Second Rise: Place the shaped bread in a greased loaf pan (for a loaf) or arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they appear puffed and slightly risen.

                  Preheat the Oven: While the dough undergoes its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking.

                    Bake the Bread: If desired, sprinkle sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds on top of the loaf for added texture and crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes for a loaf, or 20-25 minutes for rolls, until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

                      Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

                        Enjoy your deliciously nutty and flavorful Harvest Pumpkin & Walnut Spelt Bread with a spread of butter, a dollop of jam, or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite soups!

                          Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours (including rising times) | Servings: 1 loaf (makes approximately 10 slices)