Cape Cod Bay Brown Bread

Name: Cape Cod Bay Brown Bread
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices each).
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each ) active dry yeast; 3 tablespoons molasses; 2 teaspoons agave nectar or honey; 2-2/3 cups warm water (110° to 115°); 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 2 tablespoons wheat bran; 1 teaspoon salt; 6 to 7 cups whole wheat flour; TOPPING:; 1 tablespoon 2% milk; 1 tablespoon old-fashioned oats

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. + rising Bake: 30 min. + cooling YIELD: 2 loaves (12 slices each).

This reminds me of the brown bread my grandmother made whenever we went out east to visit. The aroma evokes fond memories of her New England home during the peak of fall. I use blackstrap molasses and agave nectar to make mine a little different without sacrificing any of the flavor. Cranberries are another special touch, but this would also taste delicious with raisins. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each ) active dry yeast
3 tablespoons molasses
2 teaspoons agave nectar or honey
2-2/3 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons wheat bran
1 teaspoon salt
6 to 7 cups whole wheat flour
TOPPING:
1 tablespoon 2% milk
1 tablespoon old-fashioned oats

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast, molasses and agave nectar in 2/3 cup warm water. In a large bowl, combine cranberries, wheat bran, salt, yeast mixture, 4 cups flour and remaining water; beat on medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
2. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape into loaves. Place in 2 greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 400°.
4. Brush tops with milk. Sprinkle with oats. Bake until golden brown, 30-40 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks; cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 125 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.