Chocolate Star Bread with Strawberry Jam and a Good Cup of Coffee
Today’s post about coffee and chocolate star bread is brought to you by Melitta. I was sent a Heritage Series Porcelain Pour-Over™ Coffeemaker at no charge.
There are certain times that you want to have a special breakfast or brunch say a birthday, an anniversary or Valentine’s Day. If you are looking for a delightful pastry to serve for a romantic start to your special day or to serve as the centerpiece of a family buffet let me offer this spectacular Chocolate Star Bread with Strawberry Jam. It is a showstopper looking bread but trust me, it is not that hard to make. This is my second go at a star bread – my first was a more classic attempt with two different jams. I thought adding chocolate would make it a bit more special – and I was right.
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Chocolate Star Bread with Strawberry Jam
Serves 10 – 12
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3–1/4 to 3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup strawberry jam
- 2 TBS unsalted butter, melted
- 3 oz quality semi sweet chocolate (70% or better) finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 egg mixed with a splash of water for egg wash
- Swedish Pearl Sugar if desired for decoration
- Dissolve yeast in warm water until foamy. In another bowl, combine milk, egg, butter, sugar and salt; add yeast mixture and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Secure the dough hook and knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 4 portions. Roll 1 portion into a 12-in. circle. Place on a greased 14-in. pizza pan or pizza stone. Spread with half of the strawberry jam to within 1/2 in. from edge.
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- Repeat with remaining pieces of dough, place next round on top, brush with melted butter and sprinkle finely chopped chocolate over top, then the third circle on which you will spread the rest of the jam. Top with the fourth round.
- Place a 2-1/2-in. round cutter on top of the dough in center of circle (do not press down). With a sharp knife, make 16 evenly spaced cuts from round cutter to edge of dough, forming a starburst. Remove cutter; grasp 2 adjacent strips, one in each hand and rotate twice outward. Pinch ends together. Repeat with remaining strips.
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle center with Swedish pearl sugar if using.
- Bake until golden brown, 18-22 minutes. (Watch during final 5 minutes for any dripping.) Remove from oven; brush with melted butter, avoiding areas where jam is visible.
- Cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Chocolate Star Bread and a Good Cup of Coffee
I start every day with a good cup of coffee. To say I am spoiled is an understatement as the hubby makes me my coffee every day. This chocolate star bread is perfect with coffee if you ask me.
Melitta sent a beautiful Heritage Series Porcelain Pour-Over™ Coffeemaker so we can have coffee no matter what. The beauty of a pour over coffee maker is that coffee can be made even if the power goes out. It’s an issue here – the power can pop off at odd times for unknown reasons. With the dual fuel stove I always have access to the stove top so all I need do is heat up water and I can have delicious hot coffee!
This drip coffee is also perfect for every morning as it makes perfect coffee every time. The pour over coffee maker comes in yellow, white, pink, and blue. The carafe holds 20 oz and it’s available for $39.99 at Melitta.
It would make a great gift with some delicious Melitta coffees! I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a gift like this!
As for me – I am going to settle down and enjoy a piece of my chocolate star bread and cup of that coffee!
If you are looking for another delicious pastry to serve for your special brunch an apricot couronne would be an excellent choice. It looks fancy but isn’t all that difficult to make.
