Maple Walnut Sourdough Bread

Very special breakfast bread (good anytime!) Makes a very classy French Toast.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 40 mins
• Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 1  cup  sourdough starter
• 1  egg
• 3  tablespoons water
• 2  tablespoons maple syrup
• 1  tablespoon butter or 1  tablespoon margarine
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  maple extract
• 3  cups bread flour
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon  yeast (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1⁄2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. Place ingredients in bread machine pan according to manufacturer's instructions.
2. Yeast is optional if baking in conventional oven.
3. Select basic white cycle, or dough cycle if you prefer to bake in the oven.
4. At end of dough cycle, shape into loaf and place in lightly greased bread pan.
5. Cover and let rise until about doubled.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Turn out of pan onto wire rack to cool.
8. Brush crust with melted butter if desired, for a soft crust.
9. NOTE: To toast walnuts, spread on a shallow baking pan and place in a 350 degree F oven for about 10 minutes.