Pain aux Noix et aux Fruits Secs Walnut Fruit Bread

 I have always loved the rolls at The Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel in New York.  Remember that scene in Scent of a Woman?  This recipe is as close as I have come to duplicating them. I made this into a loaf to serve with cheese.

 Pour 1-1/2 cups of water into the bowl of your mixer.

 Add 1 tablespoon of rapid rise yeast and 2 teaspoons of salt.

 Add 1 tablespoon of sugar.  Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and then add 4-1/2 cups of all purpose flour.  Add 1 cup of whole wheat flour.

 Add 10 ounces of your favorite dried fruits and nuts.  I added raisins, hazelnuts, walnuts and dried cherries. 

 Place the dough in a greased loaf pan and cover with a damp towels and let it rise for 1-1/2 hours.

 Bake it in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190 on an instant read thermometer.

 Cool it on a rack for 30 minutes before cutting.

 This also makes excellent toast.

It is wonderful served with a sharp cheddar.