-
1
Sprinkle the yeast on to the beer, give it a whisk and leave in a warm place.
-
2
Put the flour and salt in a bowl, then rub in the butter.
-
3
Make a well in the centre, stir in the honey with a wooden spoon and slowly add the beer mix until it all comes together (if it's too dry, add a little warm water).
-
4
Turn out on to a floured surface and knead for five minutes, until smooth and elastic.
-
5
Rinse the bowl with hot water, then dry and lightly oil it.
-
6
Shape the dough into a ball, pop in the bowl and cover with oiled clingfilm.
-
7
Put in a warm place until doubled in size (up to two hours).
-
8
The dough should feel light and full of air.
-
9
Knock back the dough by tipping the sunflower seeds on top and kneading them in for a few minutes.
-
10
Split the dough in half and shape each into a rounded mound.
-
11
Place on a greased oven tray.
-
12
Cover with greased clingfilm and leave for 40 minutes so the dough can rise again.
-
13
Preheat the oven to 210C.
-
14
When risen, dust with flour or brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with poppy and sesame seeds, and bake at the top of the oven for about 30 minutes.
-
15
The loaves may need longer, but check after half an hour.
-
16
When done, they'll have a good crust, feel light when you lift them and sound hollow when tapped on the base.
-
17
Leave to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before attempting to cut or eat.