Fennel seed and onion loaf slightly adapted from the always gorgeous Australian Gourmet Traveller 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (90 ml) olive oil, divided use 1 onion, finely chopped 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, plus extra for dusting 3 1/2 cups (490g) all purpose
flour, plus extra for dusting 4 teaspoons (12g) dried yeast 2 teaspoons superfine sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (240 ml) warm water milk, for brushing crushed coarse salt or sea salt, for sprinkling — I used Maldon Heat 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, add onion, sauté until very tender (6 - 8 minutes), stir
through fennel seeds, cook until fragrant (1 minute), remove from heat,
season to taste and cool.
Senior food editor Dawn Perry and assistant food editor Claire Saffitz, both
seasoned bakers, talk us
through why instructions like setting a timer, weighing
flour, and using room - temperature eggs actually matter.