In a saucepan, heat milk and butter on low until butter is melted, remove from heat and let cool until warm to touch but not hot.

Slowly stir yeast into warm water and set aside for about 5 minutes

Combine brown ale and honey, heat in microwave until warm, 45 to 60 seconds - you don't want it hot, just warm

Pour beer/honey mixture, butter/milk mixture, salt and yeast/water into a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook

Set mixer on medium speed and add flour 1 cup at a time until dough is formed and it isn't super sticky - you can turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a bit to finish

Grease a large bowl with butter, add the dough ball, flip it to get butter on both sides, clover with a clean linen kitchen towel and set it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour and doubled in size

Punch down an turn onto a lightly floured counter

Divide dough in half

Knead one while continuously adding bacon, figs, and gorgonzola alternately - about 5-7 minutes until all the air bubbles pop

Knead the plain loaf about 5-7 minutes, until you feel all the air bubbles pop

Grease two round cake pans with butter, add one dough ball to each pan flip it to coat both sides, cover with the kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size - about 30 minutes

Preheat oven to 375

Drizzle plain loaf with honey if desired

Garnish the stuffed loaf with gorgonzola, figs, and bacon pieces, if desired

Bake 45 - 55 minutes, until golden brown and crusty

Cool on a wire rack