We have had a unseasonably cold November so far. Even though many of us weren’t and aren’t ready for such temperature this soon, it does make the appeal of warm soup and a slice of homemade bread that much more appetizing. I found a recipe for Oatmeal Molasses Bread in a cookbook that was giving to us from a gentlemen from town. It is a nice hearty bread that is not to sweet so toasting it and adding some honey is just the ticket to accompany that soup.
Molasses
Definition according to Oxford Dictionary is: thick, dark brown syrup obtained from raw sugar during the refining process, a version of which is used in baking.
-is made from sugar cane or sugar beets
-Bar Day is February 8th
-flood happened on January 15, 1919 when a large 50 foot high storage tank in Boston burst and sent a tidal wave of over 2 millions gallons of molasses traveling at over 30 miles per hour
-can also be made from sorghum, pomegranates, carobs and dates
-can be used in rye bread or other breads, cookies, pies, gingerbread, BBQ sauce, and beer styles to name a few.
So here we go, first start with 2 cups of flour in a stand mixer.
Then, two packages of yeast.
Salt and Molasses
Oil and Water
Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes, then add 1 cup of flour and beat on high for 1 minute.
Add oatmeal and 2 more cups flour to make a soft dough.
Knead until elastic on a floured surface. Shape into 2 loaves and place in regular loaf pans.
Slash top, brush with egg white, and allow to rise about 1 hour. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 to 45 mins.
5 cups flour
2 packages yeast
1 Tablespoon salt
1/4 cup molasses
2 Tablespoons oil
2 cups warm water
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 egg white, slightly beaten
In mixing bowl of stand mixer, mix 2 cups flour, yeast, salt, molasses, oil and water. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup flour and beat on high for a minute. Stir in oatmeal and add 2 more cups flour to make a soft dough. Knead until elastic on a floured surface. Shape in 2 loaves and place in greased regular loaf pans. Slash tops. Brush with egg white, and allow to rise 1 hour. Bake at 375 degreees for 35 to 45 minutes.
Warm, crusty and yeasty bread!
I had a few hours to wander around downtown Fargo and go to a few of my favorite shops and favorite spots for lunch and a treat. I almost never buy anything, but it is fun to look and see the different displays that people are coming up with. I looked around Zanbroz and was caught by this cute glass mushroom, but decided I really didn’t need it. At Unglued, it is fun to browse and see what different artists in the area are up to and look at the locally made souvenirs. Had lunch at BernBaums and finished it up with this Opera cake at Nichole’s Fine Pastry. I was told it is like tiramisu, so I decided to give it a try.
Opera Cake is a french cake made with layers of almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup layered with ganache and coffee French buttercream and covered in chocolate glaze.
With so many steps in making it, I knew it had to be good, and taking into consideration the time spent in making it, I savored every bite.
Proverbs 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.