Versatile Molasses Wheat Bread

 I've brought these to outdoor parties, dinner parties, camping trips, and even cut them in half, topped with shredded beef and sliced cheese and then broiled for a tasty spin on bruschetta! Of course my favorite way is just eaten plain with no adornments whatsoever, but you really can do just about anything with this bread and it will be a crowd pleaser, but make sure you have the recipe handy - I always get asked for it by at least one person!

(Vegetarian, Vegan, Soy-Free)

INGREDIENTS:

§  1 3/8 cups water (1 ½ cups minus 2 Tbsp)

§  1 ½ Tbsp vegetable or canola oil

§  2 Tbsp molasses

§  1 ½ tsp salt

§  2 cups bread flour

§  2 cups whole wheat flour

§  2 tsp active dry yeast or bread machine yeast

PREPARATION:

1.       Place all the ingredients in the bowl of your bread machine in the order presented or according to your manufacturer’s recommendation.

2.      Select the dough cycle and start.

3.      When finished, remove from the bread machine and form (see below).  

4.      Let dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour or in an oven on the lowest heat for 30 min (some ovens have a “warm” setting). You can also refrigerate and let it rise over night or freeze for later use.

5.      Makes:

- 24 rolls, in a greased 9x13 pan (6 rolls x 4 rolls). After rising, bake at 350 F for 30 min.

- 1 large loaf (or 2 small loaves) in a greased loaf pan. After rising, bake at 350 F    for 40-45 min

6.      Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 min before slicing/serving. Tastes great on its own, also wonderful with a little butter or some apple butter.

 This can even make a really tasty sandwich bread, especially toasted. We eat it warm with soup in the winter and in the summer for an afternoon snack. It's great at any time, any season, and can be dressed up or down for just about any meal!