Edible Picnic Basket Bread Machine
Transform your next picnic into an unforgettable experience with this homemade Edible Picnic Basket crafted entirely from scratch using a bread machine. This show-stopping recipe combines the art of breadmaking with creative craftsmanship to deliver a functional and delicious centerpiece. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and butter, the bread dough is expertly shaped into a basket complete with a braided rim and handles, achieving a stunning design with minimal effort. The bread machine handles the kneading and rising, while an egg wash gives the baked basket its irresistible golden finish. Optional sesame seeds add a touch of elegance, making this basket as visually appealing as it is tasty. Perfect for serving as a charming container for your picnic treats or appetizers, this edible creation is sure to delight guests and add a personal, artisanal touch to your gathering.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1.25 cups Warm water
- 1 large Egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Add the warm water, unsalted butter, sugar, and salt to the bread machine pan.
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the liquid ingredients. Then, create a small well in the center of the flour and add the active dry yeast.
Select the dough cycle on your bread machine and start it. Allow the machine to do its work, which should take 90 minutes to knead and rise the dough.
Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the machine and place it on a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into portions: reserve a larger portion for the basket’s main structure, a smaller portion for braiding handles, and some extra for optional decorative elements such as lattice strips or dough flowers.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large heat-proof bowl with parchment paper to help shape the basket.
Roll the larger portion of dough into a flat circle (about 1/4 inch thick) and gently press it into the lined bowl, ensuring it forms the basket’s base and walls. Trim any overhanging dough.
Take the reserved smaller dough portion and divide it into three strips. Roll the strips into ropes and braid them into a long braid to act as the edge of the basket. Attach the braid to the top rim of the basket by gently pressing it onto the dough.
Shape remaining dough into thin ropes to construct a handle. Twist the ropes for added visual appeal, and attach the handle ends to opposite sides of the basket’s rim with a little water to help it adhere. For stability, you can prop the handle with balls of aluminum foil during baking.
Brush the entire basket, including the braided rim and handle, with beaten egg to give it a golden sheen after baking. Sprinkle sesame seeds onto the rim or handle, if desired, for a decorative touch.
Place the assembled basket (still in the bowl) on a baking sheet for easy handling and bake it in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
Allow the basket to cool completely in the bowl before gently removing it. This ensures the structure remains intact.
Once cooled, fill the edible bread basket with your favorite picnic goodies and serve as a centerpiece for your gathering.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
232 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.2 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 25 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 204 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 6.4 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 28 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 70 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
