Blueberry Dawn Whisper

In a Mixing Bowl, combine the warm Whole Milk (35°C/95°F) and Granulated Sugar. Sprinkle Active Dry Yeast over the surface. Let sit for 7 minutes, until frothy and fragrant—tiny bubbles should form, signaling life. This step ensures your bread rises light as a cloud. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the milk temperature for best results.

Add Bread Flour, Fine Sea Salt, Lemon Zest, Almond Extract, Large Egg, and softened Unsalted Butter to the Mixing Bowl with the activated yeast. Mix with a wooden spoon or use a Stand Mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead for 7–9 minutes until the dough is silky, elastic, and just slightly tacky. It should stretch without tearing easily. This step develops the gluten network for a tender yet structured crumb.

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased Mixing Bowl. Cover with a Damp Towel or Plastic Wrap and set in a warm, draft-free place (24–26°C/75–79°F) for 60 minutes, until doubled in size. The dough will feel pillowy and alive when gently pressed. This allows the yeast to ferment and flavor to deepen. Proofing at the right temperature ensures a good rise.

Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured Surface. Scatter Fresh Blueberries evenly over the dough. Gently fold and press the dough to distribute berries without crushing them, then shape into a rough loaf. The dough should be marbled with pockets of whole berries, and the surface will feel cool and slightly damp. Even distribution means juicy bursts in every slice.

Place shaped dough into a greased Loaf Pan. Cover with a Damp Towel or Plastic Wrap and let rise again in a warm place (24–26°C/75–79°F) for 35–40 minutes, until the loaf crests about 2 cm above the rim. The dough will jiggle slightly when tapped. This final proof ensures a tender, light crumb. Don't overproof, or it may collapse in the oven.

Preheat the Oven to 180°C (356°F). Optionally, sprinkle Pearl Sugar over the loaf for a sparkling crunch. Bake on the center rack for 35 minutes, rotating halfway for even browning. The bread is ready when golden, and a hollow sound rings out when tapped on the bottom. Baking transforms the dough into a golden, aromatic loaf, crisp outside and plush within. Let cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a Rack. Serve warm with a swipe of butter or cooled and sliced for tea. Each piece is a quiet celebration of morning, best shared with someone you love.