#bread is life

Lughnasadh Recipes

Black Bread

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c warm water

1 Tbsp sugar

2 1/4 tsp instant dry yeast (1 package)

2 cups bread flour

1 3/4 c whole wheat flour

1 Tbsp cocoa powder

2 tsp espresso powder (or instant coffee)

1 tsp salt

2 Tbsp butter, softened

1/4 c honey

2 Tbsp molasses

1/4 c cornmeal, for dusting the bottom of the shaped (not baked) loafs (optional)

oats, for dusting the top of the shaped (not baked) loafs (optional)

Preparation:

In a medium bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes to proof (it will become foamy on top).

Using the paddle attachment in your stand mixer, whisk together the bread flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, butter, honey, and molasses. Mix on medium-low speed until combined. The dough will be fairly thick and a little tacky.

Swap out to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes. This dough is thicker than your standard white bread, so it will be a little tacky, but will not pull or stick to the bottom of the bowl while kneading. If it feels too sticky, like it would stick to your fingers when trying to shape, add a bit more flour.

Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise is a warm spot for two hours, until doubled in size.

Divide the dough into 6 equal sized pieces, and shape into mini-baguette style logs, roughly 6" long and 2" wide. Use your fingertips to pat the dough into a rectangle, about 4” across. Fold the top 1/3 down, like a letter, and press the seam into the dough with your fingertips. You’ll see that you’re creating some friction at the top, this is good! Fold the bottom up over the top, tightly, and press to seal again.

Place the cornmeal on a plate (if using) and set the loaves in it to lightly coat the bottom. Place the loaves on a lined baking sheet, with lots of space between them. Lightly wet the top of the loaves with your hand and some water, then sprinkle on a light dusting of oats. Spray the tops of the loaves with Pam (to keep the wrap from sticking), then cover VERY loosely with plastic wrap. Set in a warm place and let rise for another 60 to 90 minutes, until nearly doubled in size again.

Bake in a 350ºF oven for 25 to 35 minutes. The crust will be soft and squishy to the touch. Bread is cooked when the internal temperature is 190ºF, so feel free to use an instant read thermometer to check if you're not sure.

Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. If baking ahead of time, store tightly wrapped in plastic wrap once completely cooled, for up to 2 days, though it's best eaten the day baked.

Gently warm in the oven before serving.

Original Recipe Credit:

Please let me know if you try any of these out!