For days when there isn't time to bake a yeast loaf, this healthy quick bread provides an easy, but delicious alternative. A double batch takes no more time to make and the bread freezes well, making it perfect for baking ahead.
This bread is adapted from a very old recipe called "Puckerbrush Bread." Puckerbrush means a place out in the middle of nowhere, land that wasn't worth much. Since this bread is so easy to make, it was perfect for people living in remote areas where supplies were hard to get. The original recipe called for sugar and used white flour instead of whole wheat. In this version, whole wheat flour increases the complex carbohydrates, molasses adds iron, and there is no added sugar. Dulse flakes are a form of seaweed and can be purchased in most large grocery stores. They do not affect the flavor and add more iron to the recipe--a great way to get enough iron into small children. Although this version is healthier than the original, it still tastes great!
Healthy Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. rye flour
- 2 c. whole wheat flour
- 1/2 t. salt (optional)
- 2 t. baking soda
- 1 T. dulse flakes (optional)
- 1/2 c. molasses or honey
- 2 c. buttermilk
- 2 T. olive oil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease very well one 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan or four 3 x 5 mini pans.
- In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients, except the baking soda.
- Add the molasses or honey.
- Measure the milk and stir the baking powder into it. Then add the milk to the dry ingredients.
- Stir until ingredients are just combined.
- Pour into loaf pans and bake for 1 hour (for mini loaves, bake for 30 minutes).
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes on a rack.
- Then remove the bread from the pan. The bread can be sliced immediately, although it will be very tender.
Freezing Directions
To freeze the bread, let it cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap. Place wrapped loaf in a freezer-grade storage bag and freeze.
To thaw, remove from freezer and let thaw at room temperature for several hours. It is best not to thaw this bread in the microwave, but in an emergency, the defrost setting will not make the bread too tough. Be sure to check the bread frequently during microwave defrosting.
Variations
This recipe is very flexible and accommodates variations easily. For example, graham flour can be substituted for the rye flour. Additions such as fresh berries, diced fresh apples, dried fruits, or nuts make the bread extra special. Any chunky ingredients should be coated with flour before being added to the batter. This will prevent them sinking to the bottom of the baking pan.
To make this a dessert bread--more like a cake-- add 1/2 c. brown sugar to the dry ingredients. A light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk whipped until smooth and drizzled over the top of the loaf completes the transformation. Serve with fresh fruit or berries and whipped cream for an extra special treat.
This recipe goes well with Easy Farmer's Market Borscht.
This healthy quick bread complements any meal and is sure to be a hit.
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