Black Bread

Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water (105f to 115f)
• 3 -4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 tablespoons shortening, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 cups rye flour
• 1 tablespoon caraway seed
• 1 tablespoon dill seed
• 3 tablespoons dark molasses
• butter, melted

Recipe

• 1 combine yeast and warm water in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes. combine yeast mixture, 3 cups ap flour, shortening, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended. add rye flour and next 3 ingredients; mix well. gradually stir in enough remaining ap flour to form a soft ball.
• 2 turn dough out onto a well-floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 to 10 minutes). place in a well greased bowl, turning to grease top. cover and let rise in a warm place (85degrees) free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.
• 3 punch dough down, and divide in half, shape each portion into a smooth ball. place on a large greased baking sheet, and lightly press to flatten bottom. slash tops of loaves with razor blade or sharp knife. cover and let rise in a warm place,free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.
• 4 bake at 400f for 30 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped. brush bread with melted butter. remove to wire racks to cool.