Posted by Diane | Posted in Breads, Cooking with Beer | Posted on 08-05-2009
Tags: Bread Recipes
Ingredients:
4 1/2-5 1/2 cups of unsifted flour
2 pkgs of instant dry blend yeast
1 (12 oz) can or bottle of beer
1/4 cup water
2 Tbls shortening
2 Tbls sugar
2 tsp salt
1 egg white, lightly beaten
cornmeal
Put 2 cups of the flour and 2 pkgs yeast into a large bowl;stir well to mix.
Put the beer, shortening, sugar, water and salt into a one quart pan and heat until warm, (120-130 degrees), stirring constantly. Pour into flour-yeast mixture and beat at low speed for 1/2 minute, scraping bowl. Beat at high speed for another 3 minutes.
Using a wooden spoon, gradually stir in enough flour to form a fairly stiff dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth, 5-10 minutes. Place smooth side down in a greased bowl; turn over; cover and let rise in a warm, draft free place until doubled , about one hour; (dent will be left when finger is pressed into side of dough.).
Punch dough down. Let rest about 15 minutes. Grease a large baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal.
Divide dough into 2 even halves;pat half the dough into a 6″ x 10″ rectangle; starting at the 10″ side, roll up tightly, pinch edges of dough into roll, then turn to bottom. Taper ends by placing palms of hands on side then roll back and forth. Shape 2nd half of loaf the same way.
Place loaves well apart on the cornmeal covered baking sheet. Let rise as previously, for 15 minutes, then with a sharp knife, make 3 or 4 diagonal slices, 1/4″ deep on top of each loaf. Brush with egg white. Let rise until doubled, 20-30 minutes longer; test by pressing finger lightly on side of dough to make a dent.
Just before baking, brush again with egg white. Bake in preheated oven, 400 degrees, until well browned, 25-35 minutes. Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool. Yield: 2 loaves.
Note: To make four loaves, double all ingredients except yeast. Rising time will be about 1 1/2 times longer than for two loaves.
Serving suggestion: Beer bread is especially delicious when served with a spicy cheese spread.
