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Early American Cottage Loaf
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Pioneers blended grains available to produce breads with interesting texture. These wholesome, unusual shaped loaves were baked in cast iron pots in the cottage fireplace.
INGREDIENTS
This recipe makes 1 loaf
| Water | 1+1/4 cups |
| Oil | 2 TBSP |
| Honey | 3 TBSP |
| Bread Flour | 2+1/4 cups |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1+1/2 tsp |
| Wheat Germ | 2 TBSP |
| Oat or Wheat bran | 1/4 cup |
| Oatmeal | 1/4 cup |
| Corn meal | 2 TBSP |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2+1/4 tsp |
DIRECTIONS
Bread Machine Method
Place room temperature ingredients in pan in order listed. Select DOUGH setting. Check dough consistency after 5 minutes of kneading. The dough should be in a soft, tacky ball. If it is dry and stiff, add water, 1/2 to 1 tablespoon at a time. If it is too wet and sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time. See our Bread Machine section for more helpful tips and information.When cycle is complete, remove dough. Continue with Shaping, Rising and Baking.
Traditional Method
Combine yeast, 1 cup bread flour and other dry ingredients. Combine liquids; heat to 120° to 130° F. Add to flour mixture; beat 3 minutes on medium speed. By hand, stir in enough remaining bread flour to make firm dough. Knead on floured surface 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in lightly greased bowl; turn to grease top. Cover; let rise until dough tests ripe, about 40 minutes.
Shaping, Rising and Baking
Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; punch down to remove air bubbles. Cut off 1/4 of dough. Let dough relax for 10 minutes. Shape each section into round balls. Place larger ball in greased 1 ½ -quart casserole or soufflé dish. With fist, make deep indentation in center. Place smaller ball in hole. Stick floured finger down through center of both balls to bottom of dish to glue both balls together. Cover; let rise until indentation remains after lightly touching dough, about 30-40 minutes. Just before baking, stick finger into hole again. Bake in preheated 375°F oven 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from dish; cool on rack.
*You can substitute Instant (fast-rising) in place of Active Dry Yeast in your recipes. When using Instant Yeast, expect your dough to rise faster. Always let your dough rise until ripe. Use equal amounts when baking using traditional methods. When using the Bread Machine, use 1/2 tsp Instant Yeast OR 3/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast per cup of flour in your recipe. Visit our Lessons in Yeast & Baking for more information on baking.