Sweetheart Bread

Directions

1. 1
   In a small bowl, mix the yeast and 1 tbsp sugar. Place the flour, egg, 1 1/2 tbsp sugar and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. In a saucepan, melt the butter. In a separate saucepan, heat all but 1 tbsp milk until lukewarm. Stir the yeast into the milk. Add the butter and the milk mixture to the flour mixture. Mix with the dough hook of a mixer until you have a bubbly batter. Cover and allow to rest in a warm place for 15 mins.
2. 2
   Mix 4 oz almonds into the batter, then cover and allow to rest for 15 mins.
3. 3
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut out 15 hearts (about 3 x 2 inches), re-rolling the dough as necessary. Beat the egg yolk and remaining milk and brush over the hearts. Sprinkle 5 hearts with remaining sugar, 5 with the pistachios and 5 with the remaining almonds. Allow to rest for 10 mins.
4. 4
   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange the hearts on them. Bake for 20 mins, or until a skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool and serve with butter and jam.