While perusing some of my favorite foodie blogs, I stumbled across the Daring Bakers, an online group of recreational bakers looking for a challenge and a forum in which to share their successes, and sometimes failures. Without hesitation, I found myself e-mailing Lis and offering a multitude of reasons why I should be a Daring Baker. Thankfully she didn’t think I was too crazy, and I accepted my first challenge…the Danish Braid.
The way it works is that there is a monthly baking challenge and then all the Daring Bakers around the world blog about their culinary successes on the same day. Bread making is not one of my specialties, so I had some trepidation when I saw that not only will I have to make my own bread, but I will have to braid it too.
A couple of thoughts before sharing the recipe. First, although the recipe calls for cardamom, it’s not essential. In fact, I didn’t really like it at all. If I were to make this again (and I probably will), I may substitute cinnamon for the orange and cardamom duo. Second, I don’t know where I went wrong in the proofing stage, but my bread was a little flat. Third, I LOVE that we got to pick our own fillings and had a lot of fun brainstorming mouth-watering flavor combinations. I love baking with fruit, so with all the wonderful fruit in season, I had to go with two favorites…cherries and peaches.
Finally, don’t be afraid of this recipe. It’s long and involves lots of steps, but in retrospect, it wasn’t that difficult.
You can find the Danish Braid recipe here, along with my filling variations.
Catherine over at Munchie-Musings is also a Daring Baker. Check out her braids here.
Lorrie says
your danish looks buttery and flaky and delicious, you did a great job!
maybelles mom (feeding maybelle) says
great first challenge
HoneyB says
Great job on your first challenge! This was a tasty one to start with (and my favorite so far!). Welcome to the DB’ers!
breadchick says
Congrats on completing your very 1st challenge! Well done and welcome to Daring Bakers!!
jj says
I like your idea of substituting cinnamon for the cardamom – not real fond of that, either. Great share, thanks!
Brittany says
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to see what’s next. 🙂
Debyi says
Your braid looks great! Cherry filling sounds fabulous!