Molasses Honey Bread
Categories: Bread
Ingredients:
- 6 cup Whole Grain Flour
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Cardamom
- 0 tsp Dash of clove
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 2 cup Warm water
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water, sourdough starter, sugar, molasses, honey and olive oil. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and salt. Gradually mix in the whole grain flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for approximately 8–10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Whole grain dough will remain slightly tacky, so resist the temptation to add too much extra flour.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover and allow to rise in a warm place until noticeably expanded, approximately 4–6 hours depending on the strength of your sourdough starter and the temperature of your kitchen.
5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two equal portions. Shape into loaves and place in two greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
6. Cover loosely and allow to rise again until the dough has risen to approximately the top of the pans, about 2–4 hours. Sourdough works on its own schedule, so watch the dough rather than the clock!
7. Preheat oven to 375°F.
8. Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, until the loaves are beautifully browned and the internal temperature reaches approximately 200–205°F. If the tops begin browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
9. Remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
The molasses and honey give this hearty whole grain bread a lovely warmth, while the cinnamon, cardamom and cloves add just a hint of spice. Perfect toasted with a little butter!