Mushroom (Shape) Bread

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 7g (1 packet) instant yeast
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm milk
• 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened

For the Decoration:

• Cocoa powder
• Small plastic cups or oven-safe molds for shaping

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough:

1. Divide the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into small, even portions (about 50g each).
2. Shape the Stems: Take a small portion of dough and roll it into a log shape (about 3-4 inches long). Repeat with the rest of the dough. These will be the stems of the mushrooms.
3. Shape the Caps: For the caps, take another portion of dough and form it into a round ball. Flatten each ball slightly to resemble a mushroom cap.
4. Combine Shapes: Make a small indentation in the center of each cap and insert the end of a stem into it. Ensure they are securely attached.

Second Rise:

1. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Cover them with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Decorate and Bake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Decorate with Cocoa Powder: Before baking, lightly dust the caps with cocoa powder to give them a realistic mushroom appearance.
3. Bake: Bake the mushroom-shaped bread in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
4. Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy!

Your mushroom-shaped bread is now ready to be enjoyed! These make a fun and whimsical addition to any meal or can be enjoyed as a unique snack.