Random Thoughts From Marybeth

Australian Steak House Bread

1 1/2 cups of warm water
2 Tbsp. butter, softened
1/2 cup molasses
2 cups bread or all purpose flour
1 2/3 cups wheat flour
1 Tbsp. cocoa
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 package yeast
1/2 tsp brown food color paste (optional, amount approximate)

Combine the flours, cocoa, sugar, and salt in a lage bowl. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and pour the warm water into it. Then add the butter, molasses, yeast and food coloring.

If you do not have the food coloring, just leave it out. The bread will taste the same, it will just be lighter in color.

Slowly mix the ingredients using a strong mixer or by hand. When you can handle the dough, knead it for at least 10 minutes or until it is very smooth and has an even color. Set the dough in a greased bowl, turn it over to coat all sides of the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place to rise for about an hour.

When the dough has risen to about double its original size, punch it down and divide it into eight even pieces. Form the pieces of dough into loaves about eight inches long and two inches wide. The dough is somewhat thin and sticky so you will need to flour your hands and work surface well. Place loaves on a greased cookie sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rise again for about an hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Uncover dough and bake the loaves for 20 - 24 minutes. Serve warm.