Cranberry Walnut Yeast Bread

Decided to do something different for Thanksgiving bread - I usually do a sage bread - and thought Cranberry Walnut would be nice. After completing this direct method bread (mix, rise and bake without a long ferment) I found what looks like a great (even better) recipe with a longer ferment time - here. Looking forward to when I have the leisure to try it.

I took out the cinnamon, but decided against it

Halve and sweeten 2 cups of cranberries (I used 2 tbs each of white sugar, light brown sugar and honey with 1/4 cup warm water)
Add the zest of one orange, and let the mix sit while you make your dough.

Proof 3 tsp of active dry yeast in 1/2 cup warm water and 1 tsp sugar

Once the yeast starts to ferment, add 1+ 1/2 cups warm water, 1 tsp salt, 4 tbs butter

Add a bit at a time: 2+1/2 cups flour, 2 cups whole wheat flour, 4 tbs ground flax seed (flax meal)(optional)

Add the cranberries and 1 cup chopped walnuts. Knead the dough lightly for one or two minutes, adding a dusting of flour as needed.

Oil the top of the dough ball and set the dough aside to rise for an hour or more.

Divide dough into two rounds and place on a parchment covered baking sheet to rise again for an hour or so.

Slit the dough to form a square, brush with an egg wash and place in a 375 degree oven for 30-35 minutes, check for doneness; return to oven for up to 10 minutes if needed but lower oven temp to 350.

Dinner's not quite ready - still have to cook that turkey!