Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Whole Wheat-Molasses Bread

In my quest to find a recipe delicious enough to give away for Christmas food gifts, I came across this:  a dark, slightly sweet, very tasty yeast bread that's studded with caraway seeds.

Yum.  I do believe we have a winner.

The original recipe gave directions by hand, and yielded two loaves.  I cut it in half so I could use my handy dandy little bread machine.

Aren't bread machines wonderful?

WHOLE WHEAT-MOLASSES BREAD
7/8 c. water
1/4 c. molasses
1 T. shortening
1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. white flour (and maybe a little more)
1/8 c. packed brown sugar
1 T. caraway seed
1 1/2 t. salt
2 1/4 t. yeast (or one package)

Pop all the ingredients into machine in order listed, press the "dough" setting, and start.
Check on the dough as it starts to knead; you want to make sure it is stiff.  If it looks too wet, add more flour until it's the right consistency.
When the machine beeps, shape dough into a slightly flattened 6-inch ball and place on a greased baking sheet.  Cover and let rise until doubled (maybe an hour?).  Bake at 375 for 30 - 35 minutes, until browned and sounding kind of hollow when you tap  it.  (I took mine out at 28 minutes).  Yields one loaf.

The recipe came from this book, which used to belong to my husband's grandma.  My own grandma is the one who gave me my first bread machine.  So it seems to me this loaf is truly a family effort. 
Happy holiday baking.  Any ideas for great Christmas food gifts coming out of your kitchen?

P.S.  The lovely blogger, Bitterroot Mama, posted this review yesterday of Queen of the Castle.  Thank you, Bitterroot Mama!

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10 Comments:

Blogger Flat Creek Farm said...

Thank you for this! Sounds delicious and perfect, and also wonderful that it was a family effort! I'm still kicking myself for passing up a bread machine in perfect condition for dirt cheap at a yard sale. Maybe I should just put a brand new one on my Christmas wish list ;) -Tammy

October 27, 2010 at 12:39 PM  
Blogger ~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Sounds amazing! When my sons were little I made a hearty loaf of bread to use for milk toast. You toast it very darkly and dip it in warm milk...very good in the winter time! ♥

October 27, 2010 at 1:52 PM  
Blogger Joanne said...

Mmm this sounds great. I'm looking into food gifts also and loaves of bread sound perfect.

October 27, 2010 at 6:23 PM  
Blogger Lisa said...

This sounds so good. The molasses must add such a nice flavor to this bread.

October 27, 2010 at 9:00 PM  
Blogger DarcyLee said...

I love my bread machine, too. There's just nothing like the wonderful scent of freshly baked homemade bread. It is time to be thinking of Christmas gifts, isn't it?!?! Have a wonderful weekend.

October 28, 2010 at 6:14 AM  
Anonymous Faith said...

This sounds pretty delicious. My mom used to make bread with molasses and I bet she'd love this! I'm going to share your recipe with her.

October 28, 2010 at 9:09 AM  
Blogger Barb said...

I love whole wheat bread, and I am always looking for a new recipe! This one looks so delicious, I can't wait to try it! I don't have a bread machine . . . I wish I did!

This would be a wonderful gift, with a little jar of fresh jam, yummy!

Hugs,
Barb

October 28, 2010 at 4:19 PM  
Blogger teresa said...

what a yummy looking bread! i'll have to try this soon!

November 4, 2010 at 9:26 AM  
Blogger momstheword said...

Hi Lynn! This looks so yummy that my mouth is watering right now, lol!

November 5, 2010 at 5:35 PM  
Blogger Diana's Cocina said...

I love baking fresh bread. I will have to give this one a try.

November 5, 2010 at 11:48 PM  

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