A Christmas inspired bread that's perfect for starters at dinner parties, or just a yummy treat for yourself once you've finished all your Christmas shopping!


You'll need...
For the dough...
1 cup of water (room temperature)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon skimmed milk powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 cups white flour
1 teaspoon yeast

For the flavoring...
1 small egg, beaten
100g Stilton
A couple of sprigs of fresh thyme

Make your dough by mixing the above ingredients for the dough.
Knead together for 5 minutes
Place the dough in a clean bowl and cover with cling film, leave to rise in a warm place for about 30-40mins or until it has doubled in size. The dough should spring back when you poke it.

Knead the bread again for 2mins, then roll it out on a floured surface into an oblong shape.
Brush the dough with the egg and crumble your cheese over the top.
Then sprinkle the thyme leaves over one half of the dough.
Fold the dough it half enclosing the cheese and thyme, pinch the two sides together and push down gently to release any air.

Then leave it to prove, on a lined baking tray for 45mins and cover will a piece of oiled cling film.

Preheat the oven to 200oC
Brush the top of the dough with the rest of the egg.
Score the top of the dough with a knife a bake for 25mins or until golden.
Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool for 10 mins.