This dark, dense loaf gets its color and intense flavor from molasses, cocoa, and instant coffee powder. It’s delicious at breakfast or alongside soup at suppertime.
2 packages active dry yeast
1-1/4 cups warm water (about 110 degrees F)
1 cup each rye flour and whole wheat flour
1/4 cup dark molasses
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
About 1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raisins
Cornmeal
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
In a large bowl, combine yeast and the 1-1/4 cups warm water; let stand until softened (about 5 minutes). Add rye flour, whole wheat flour, molasses, cocoa, coffee powder, and salt. With a heavy spoon or dough hook, beat until flour is moistened.
If mixing by hand, stir in 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with a heavy spoon. Then scrape dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes), adding more all-purpose flour as needed to prevent sticking. Add raisins; knead until raisins are well distributed throughout dough.
If using a dough hook, mix in 1 cup of the all-purpose flour. Beat at medium speed until dough is smooth and elastic (about 3 minutes), adding more all-purpose flour as needed to prevent sticking. Add raisins; knead until raisins are well distributed throughout dough.
Place dough in an oiled bowl and turn over to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in bulk (about 1 hour).
Sprinkle cornmeal in the center of a 12- by 15-inch baking sheet; set aside. Punch down dough, turn out onto a lightly floured board, and knead briefly to release air. Shape into a ball; place on cornmeal and press to form a 6-inch round. Cover lightly; let rise in a warm place until puffy (about 30 minutes).
Beat together egg white and the 1 tablespoon water; lightly brush over loaf. Bake in a 350 degree oven until loaf is a rich dark brown (about 30 minutes). Transfer to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Yield: Makes 1 loaf (10 to 12 servings).
Nutrition information:
Amount Per Serving: 142 calories (4% fat, 84% carbohydrates, 12% protein), 1 gram total fat; 0.1 grams saturated fat; 0 milligrams cholesterol; 31 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams protein; 104 milligrams sodium.