Lembas Bread

Ingredients

• •2 cups all-purpose flour
• •1 tsp baking powder
• •1/4 tsp salt
• •1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• •1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• •1/3 cup honey, plus extra for brushing
• •1/3 cup heavy cream
• •1 tsp vanilla extract
• •1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
• •Banana leaves or parchment paper, for wrapping

Steps

1. 1.Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together in a large bowl.
2. 2.Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs - this is what gives the bread its dense, slightly crumbly texture rather than a soft cake crumb.
3. 3.In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, heavy cream, and vanilla, then pour into the flour mixture and stir just until a firm dough comes together, folding in the walnuts if using.
4. 4.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat or roll it to about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into 3-inch squares.
5. 5.Score a shallow "X" into the top of each square with a sharp knife - the signature mark of prop lembas bread, which also helps the thick dough bake through evenly.
6. 6.Arrange the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with honey.
7. 7.Bake at 350F (175C) for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn golden but the centers stay pale.
8. 8.