Black Pepper Brioche

Directions

1. 1
   Punch down and flatten the dough on a smooth, dry countertop.
2. 2
   Put the dough and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and knead on low speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the butter has been incorporated into the dough.
3. 3
   Using a 2 3/4-ounce cookie scoop, scoop the dough into a greased 8 x 4-inch loaf pan, 2 rounds wide and 3 rounds long, with 2 extra rounds centered on top.
4. 4
   Cover with a piece of plastic and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
5. 5
   Heat the oven to 350F.
6. 6
   Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl.
7. 7
   Using a brush, generously coat the top of your brioche with the egg wash.
8. 8
   Bake the bread for 35 to 45 minutes.
9. 9
   Choose an inconspicuous angle to insert your instant-read thermometer into the center of the loafyou dont want to leave a hole in the top of the loaf.
10. 10
    The brioche is baked when it reaches 220F.
11. 11
    If you do not have a thermometer, use a skewerif it comes out clean, with no signs or spots of doughiness, the brioche is done.
12. 12
    Cool the brioche loaf completely in the pan before eating it.
13. 13
    (It will finish baking as it cools.)
14. 14
    If you cant eat it all in one sitting, it will keep fresh, wrapped well in plastic, for up to 3 days at room temperature.
15. 15
    This is probably the most sacrilegious brioche recipe you will ever find.
16. 16
    But stop taking yourself so seriously.
17. 17
    Paddle the butter into the dough and bake the damn thing and enjoy.
18. 18
    If youre not a black pepper fan, shame on you.
19. 19
    Replace the black pepper butter with any other butter you love.
20. 20
    Use caraway seeds in place of black pepper.
21. 21
    Or ground cinnamon, etc.
22. 22
    Or use the Kimchi Butter (page 233) or Mustard Butter (page 235).