Recipe: A Basic Sweet Bread with Flavored Glaze or Chocolate Glaze (bread machine)

A BASIC SWEET BREAD

"Whether it is fruity or chocolatey--design a loaf to perfectly satisfy your sweet tooth. Simply mix and match some of your favorite flavors from the options below, and follow these guidelines for the proper procedures and ingredient proportions.

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS:
1 to 2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon or orange peel
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, or pumpkin pie spice, or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, cloves, or allspice
1/3 cup semisweet or milk chocolate pieces
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder*
1/3 cup candied orange peel, lemon peel, or cherries
1/3 cup dried sweet or tart cherries, cranberries, blueberries, or raspberries**
1/3 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, macadamia nuts, or almonds
FOR THE BREAD:
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon margarine, butter, shortening, or cooking oil
3 cups bread flour or 2 cups bread flour plus 1 cup whole wheat flour
4 teaspoons sugar or honey
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon active dry yeast or bread machine yeast

Select one or more of the optional ingredients and add to the bread pan (or according to manufacturer directions).

Add the ingredients for the bread to a 1 1/2 or 2-pound bread machine according to the manufacturer's directions.

Select the basic white bread cycle, or, if using whole wheat flour, select the whole grain cycle, if available.

If desired, drizzle cooled loaf with a Flavored Glaze or Chocolate Glaze.

*Note: If using cocoa powder, increase sugar to 1/4 cup.

**Note: Do not use dried apricots or other fruit treated with sulfur.

FLAVORED GLAZES:
In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in enough milk, fruit juice, rum, or liqueur (1 to 3 teaspoons) to make a glaze of drizzling consistency.

CHOCOLATE GLAZE:
In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in enough milk (1 to 3 teaspoons) to make a glaze of dizzling consistency.

Makes 16 servings
Adapted from source: Better Homes and Gardens