Saturday, January 8, 2011

M: Whole Wheat Molasses Bread

Molasses you say? Oh yes…yes I did. And oh how delicious said molasses is when it is put into this easy bread.

If you’ve read any of my posts you will note my love for Joy the Baker. She just has her sh…I mean, stuff, together. She’s always got the greatest recipes and whenever I’m having a baker’s block, she just pulls me right out of it.

I saw this recipe yesterday on her blog for whole wheat molasses bread and I knew that was my next baking adventure. Well, not really THAT much of an adventure – it is pretty dang easy to make. But, I have never made a bread like this and her description made it sound fantastic. Plus I’m always looking for healthier snacks to have around the house other than chips and hummus and apples…

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The dough does come out pretty thick, but no worries, it’s all part of the process.

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Oh the many possibilities of this bread…The flavor is so versatile – it lends a savory aspect but there is such a great sweetness that the molasses adds. And, there is NO sugar! No oil, no eggs, no white flour…I know, sounds like it might suck, but it seriously doesn’t. It actually reminds me a little of a bran muffin. A little savory a little sweet =) Perfect density and texture!

Of course my first taste was simply with butter and preserves

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You see how that turned out – I soon devoured this last bite shortly after the picture was snapped

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Bryan tried it with almond butter, and man that was good too! Joy smeared some Nutella which I think would also be fantastic. You could do cream cheese, butter, anything your little heart desires! Last night I served up this easy vegetable soup alongside a buttered piece of this fantastic bread…

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…Paired with a large glass of this Cabernet Sauvignon for me – super bold and full of flavor – I had to have this one, I mean, come on the name of it says it all

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…Aaaaand a nice Imperial Stout for the hubs (Victory is one of his fave breweries)

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And that was dinner! Tomorrow morning I’m making up some homemade oatmeal with bananas, raisins, and brown sugar and serving another piece of the bread with some butter and jam and/or almond butter =) I’m pretty sure this entire loaf will be gone within the next 24 hours!

If you missed it, go here for the recipe!

What are some of your favorite snacks to have on hand at home?