Francis

Francis Bread is a soft, sweet bread roll popular in the Philippines. Known for its buttery flavor and light texture, it's a favorite for breakfast or snacks. The bread is often topped with breadcrumbs for added texture.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• ¾ cup warm milk

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

   • Gradually add warm milk and egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

   • Add the softened butter and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes).

2. First Rise:

   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Dough:

   • Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-16 portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball or roll.

4. Second Rise:

   • Place shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

5. Add the Topping:

   • Mix breadcrumbs and sugar. Lightly brush each roll with water and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.

6. Bake:

   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.

7. Cool and Serve:

   • Let the bread cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with butter or your favorite spread!