The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Stout, Molasses and Rye

Anne-Marie B's picture
Anne-Marie B

Stout, Molasses and Rye

A bottle of dark beer, a touch of rye and molasses gave birth to this puppy.

Keep a small glass and some smoked almonds on hand.

My wheat starter was bubbling nicely after a feed so I did not make a sponge. I would normally have used wheat malt extract, but I had none on hand. So I melted a big tablespoon of molasses in a quarter cup of dark beer for about 15 seconds in the microwave. Added enough beer to make 350ml, 1 Cup of my starter, 1 Cup of Rye flour, 2 - 2 1/2 Cups of bread flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix and rest. Drink the rest of the beer and nibble the almonds for about half an hour. Then mix, adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until the sides of the bowl come clean. (Since my cycling accident, I have been using a mixer). Rise for hours, until bedtime. Form a round loaf on your baking sheet and cover with a big mixing bowl. Place in the fridge. Get up at 5am. Turn on the oven for 220 C while making the first round of frothy coffee. Paint the loaf with eggwash. Sprinkle with flour. Slash. Once she goes in, fling in a few ice cubes on the lower sheet for steam. After 10 minutes, turn the oven down to 180 C. Back to bed with a book. Usually you can smell it when it is ready, at least half an hour. Turn the oven off and read for another 10-15 minutes. Take her out and make another round of coffee. Enjoy slices of warm bread with slabs of ice cold butter melting into it with your second coffee. 

Comments

dabrownman's picture
dabrownman

hope the crumb is open and it tastes great.  Well Done

Anne-Marie B's picture
Anne-Marie B

Thank you,

nmygarden's picture
nmygarden

I love the routine you've worked out - makes for an ideal way to begin a day! Your bread is lovely! You mentioned rye, but how much?

Thanks for sharing!

Cathy

Anne-Marie B's picture
Anne-Marie B

Oops, I left out the Rye flour, I used 1 Cup. Thanks for picking that up. I have also edited the post.

Isand66's picture
Isand66

Well done.  Must taste as good as it looks.  I'm a big fan of beer breads myself.