Orange Chocolate Chip Bread

An orange-scented white yeast bread with bits of semisweet chocolate scattered throughout. Wonderful toasted!

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (0.25-ounce) packet active dry yeast, or 2 1/4 teaspoons
1 1/4 cups orange juice
4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 large egg
2 tablespoons grated orange peel
1 teaspoon orange extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Cooking Directions:

1. Squeeze enough oranges to make 1 1/4 cups orange juice. Warm; dissolve yeast.
2. In a bowl combine flour, sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, grated orange peel, and orange extract. Stir in the yeast mixture and knead to form a soft dough. Add chocolate chips. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat, cover, and allow to rise until doubled; about 1 1/2 hours.
3. Punch down; form in a greased loaf pan, and allow to rise again; about 1 hour.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is browned.

Makes 1 loaf.