Flower Pot Walnut Bread

Ingredients

• 2 ounces fresh yeast
• 3 cups lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 egg
• 6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 new (5-6 inch diameter) clay pots*
  

* Purchase only clay pots made in the United States. Those manufactured outside the United States mix lead with the clay.

Instructions

1. Pour water into a bowl and add yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let stand for a few minutes.
2. Add remaining sugar, salt, butter and flour as needed. Knead well.
3. Put into an oiled bowl, cover and let rise for about 2 hours.
4. Knead the dough again, adding walnuts.
5. Grease the flower pots.
6. Divide dough into 4 equal parts, roll each into a ball and place them in flower pots. Let rise for about 30 minutes.
7. Heat oven to 450 degrees F.
8. Make a cut across the surface of the dough. Whisk the egg lightly and brush the dough.
9. Bake for about 40 minutes.