White Chocolate Chip Bread

This is me in beautiful Dominican Republic.  I was 20 years old, in college and babysitting for a family who took me with them on their family vacation.  This was my first trip to the Caribbean (but it most certainly will not be my last!).  We stayed at one of those all inclusive resorts where they have lots of activities to do there and restaurants so you don't even need to leave!  I loved the ocean kayaks... I think I went on these a few times that week.  I tried snorkeling, but the water was too rough that day so it didn't work out too well.  

I can't remember if it was at a certain restaurant or just somewhere you can get snacks during the day, but they had the most amazing bread!  White Chocolate Chip Bread!  We all loved it.  It was just so delicious and I had never had bread like it before.  And if you haven't figured out yet, I love love love my bread!  I could eat bread and butter for a  meal!  And it must be good bread!  

I can't remember exactly how I got it, because it was 6 years ago, but I somehow got a copy of the recipe to bring home with me.  It must be very popular with other people too, not just me, because they had the recipes printed out for the guests.   

After I got back, I remember trying to make the recipe in my boyfriend at the time (now husband)'s college house.  This is before I went to Culinary School and lets just say it didn't work out too well!  

Fast forward 6 years, I was going through a box of old things and there it was!  The recipe.  Now that I had experience from school and working at a bread bakery, I knew things would turn out better this time around.  I made it one night that my husband was out, and I probably ate almost half the loaf before he even got home.  So good!  So naturally, I want to share it with all of you!  

White Chocolate Chip Bread

*recipe adapted from Club Med

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. yeast
• 1 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 egg for eggwash

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. In mixer bowl, place yeast and warm water and let sit for 3-4 minutes, until the yeast has dissolved.
3. Add the honey, salt and flour to the bowl and mix on low until everything is incorporated.  
4. Mix on medium for about 5-7 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball.  
5. Add the chocolate chips and mix until the chips are evenly distributed.  
6. Proof the dough in a warm place with a towel covering the bowl for 30 minutes.  
7. Shape the dough into a round and place on silpat lined baking sheet to proof.  Eggwash.
8. Let proof for 15-20 minutes.  Eggwash one more time right before it goes into the oven.
9. Bake 20-25 minutes.  It will be nicely browned and have an internal temperature of 190°.  
10. Let cool, then slice and enjoy!  

* It may look like the chips on the outside are burning, don't worry about this.  I find you can't even taste them, but if they do taste burnt, just scrape them off!  

I think this bread is delicious just on its own.  But you can add jam for some extra flavor!  Or some peanut butter, or ham to make a sandwich!  The white chocolate chips just give the bread a little sweetness, but don't have an overpowering taste so you can put just about anything on this!  

  I can't wait till I make this again!  Out of all the bread I make, this one just may take the cake!  

I hope you enjoy!