Thursday, 29 August 2013

Rustic Farmhouse Molasses and Sunflower Seed Loaf

Myself in the Lode Watermill
 A while back I purchased some flour from a fantastic, little watermill on the grounds of a stately home. It was fascinating to see inside it and watch all the parts working together and then to watch the fresh flour get bagged up. I bought some wholemeal flour and oatmeal. (If you are looking for the perfect flapjacks then oatmeal is a must!) 
 So, the other day I made a loaf of bread using this flour, molasses and sunflower seeds. It has a fantastic flavour and is really hearty. The recipe and method I kind of made up as I went along, just applying principles basically so let's see if I can remember it all...

 RECIPE:

 Time: around 2 hours

 Serves: makes one loaf

 1) Boil your kettle. Empty two sachets of dried yeast into a mixing bowl, add a small handful of sugar and salt and pour in a little warm water. Swirl the bowl a little to combine everything. 
 2) Take a heaped tablespoon of molasses and place it in small bowl. Pour in a little boiling water and stir until it falls off of the spoon smoothly. 
Smoothly it slides out the tin...
...ready to slice up!
 3) Place your mixing bowl on your scales and weigh out around 730g of wholemeal flour. Make a well in the centre and pour in the molasses and add two to three handfuls of sunflower seeds. (Some like less, some like more).
 4) Take 500ml of warm water and pour a little in your well. With a fork, mix together in the middle and slowly bring in the sides, adding water as you go. (You might not need all of the water.) Keep mixing until all is combined. If it is too dry, add a splash of water and mix and if it is too wet, add flour. When you feel the dough is ready, flour your surface and knead it for a few minutes.
Ah, the smell of freshly baked bread...
 5) Your dough can now go into a well greased, medium loaf tin to rise. This is where you score the loaf with three diagonal lines for that classic, bakery look. When risen, bake in  a preheated oven at about 180. until browning on the top. It should take 35-40 mins. 

 Seasoned with Elementaryianism,

 Jacob









"To glorify my Savior, Jesus Christ, the Creator 
of the universe and spread further abroad His glorious gospel." - Yours Truly

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