Page 62 - A Literary Holiday Cookbook

Makes 1 (8-inch) round loaf

“When they went away, leaving comfort behind, I think there were not in all the city four
merrier people than the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfasts and contented
themselves with bread and milk on Christmas morning.”

A rustic wheat loaf is just the right bread for a wholesome family Christmas like the one
shared by the March family in Little Women. This one is sweetened with molasses for extra
holiday cheer.

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup molasses
1½ cups warm water

1 (7-g) packet active dry yeast
3¼ cups whole wheat flour, plus extra for kneading

2 teaspoons salt

1 egg
1 tablespoon butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Add molasses to the warm water and stir until completely

dissolved. Add yeast to warm water and allow to rest 5 minutes,

stirring gently after 1 to 2 minutes.

2 Add flour to the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a dough hook

and pour the salt to one side of the flour. Add the egg and the water
mix to the other side of the flour and beat on medium-low until

combined, raising the mixer speed momentarily to incorporate the

last bit of flour on the bottom if necessary.

3 Scrape dough onto a floured surface. Lightly dust dough and

hands with flour and knead for approximately 6 minutes, reflouring
work surface and hands frequently.