Instructions: PREPARATION 20 MINUTES
COOKING 40 MINUTES. PLUS 2 HOURS RISING

To make the "sponge"

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast and sugar, then slowly beat in the milk to make a smooth batter Cover with plastic film and leave for about 20 minutes until frothy . This step is known as a "yeast hatter" and helps to make the loaf softer and lighter.

To make the bread

Add the rest of the ingredients (putting into the machine in the order preferred by your manufacturer) , make the dough using dough cycle on machine.

Butter a 900g/2lb loaf tin. Turn out the dough and knead a few times to knock out any air bubbles. Cut the dough into three equal pieces and shape each one into an oval the same width as the tin and a third of the length of the tin. Place the three pieces in the tin, then put it inside a large oiled food bag, allowing space for the dough to increase in size, and leave for about 45 minutes until risen to about 2.5cm/1inch above the top of the tin. Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6/ tan oven 180C from cold (This is about 400F).

Make the crosses: take a small piping bag (or use a greaseproof paper bag). Mix the flour with five teaspoons of water to make a smooth paste. Spoon into the piping bag (if you are using a greaseproof paper bag, snip off one corner to make a hole). Pipe three crosses over the top of the loaf (picture 4). Bake in the centre of the oven for 20 minutes, then loosely cover with foil and bake for a further 15-20 minutes. To check the loaf is cooked, remove it from the tin and tap it underneath - it should sound hollow. If it doesnt, return it to the tin and bake for a further 5 minutes, then test again. Remove from the tin and set on a cooling rack.

Make the glaze: mix together the milk and caster sugar and brush over the hot loaf . Leave to cool before serving cut into slices and buttered. It is also great toasted for breakfast.

NOTES : I promised a nice recipe when I last wrote and here it is...seasonal and delicious..courtesy of Good Food Magazine which I subscribe to. The "sponge " seems to make it moist and high rising.

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