Beer, Cheese and Mustard Bread

For keen cooks who like to make their own bread, this has an intensively savoury taste and works just as well if made into bread rolls.

Serves 4

Put all the dry ingredients into a large bowl. Measure the beer into a jug and heat for 1 minute in the microwave. Whisk in the oil and mustard. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients then add the beer mixture and mix until a dough is formed and comes away from the sides of the bowl. Turn onto a floured work surface and knead a good 5 minutes. You can use a food mixer with a dough hook, to make this easier, kneading in the machine for 3-4 minutes.

Lightly oil the mixing bowl, put the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean damp cloth and leave to rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until almost doubled in size. The time it takes will depend on the warmth of the place the dough is placed.

Tip the dough back onto the floured work surface and shape into a ball, flatten slightly. Cut several slashes across the top of the bread. Leave to rise for about 30-45 minutes.

Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown and the bread sounds hallow when tapped. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Tip: you can use different cheeses as long as they are well flavoured such a Lancashire, Red Leicester or a firm Goat?s cheese. To vary the flavour, try adding some herbs such as 2 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary spikes. Finely chopped spring onions would also be good