County Raisin Rye Bread
County Raisin Rye Bread offers a hearty, slightly sweet flavor with rich rye and whole wheat notes, complemented by raisins. Perfect for wholesome sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 cup rye flour, yeast, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat water, 1/2 cup oil, molasses, and honey to 120° to 130°F.
- Add the hot mixture to the dry ingredients; stir just until moistened.
- Stir in the remaining whole wheat and rye flours and enough all-purpose flour to form a medium stiff dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface; sprinkle with raisins.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Grease a bowl with remaining oil.
- Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Punch down the dough, turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into four pieces; shape each into a round loaf.
- Place the loaves 4 inches apart on two baking sheets coated with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Bake at 325°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin to the dough. If you don't have molasses, dark brown sugar can be a good substitute. Adjust the amount of all-purpose flour based on the humidity of your kitchen; it may vary slightly. Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, so ensure you knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Serving Suggestions
This County Raisin Rye Bread is delicious on its own or served with butter and jam. It pairs wonderfully with a bowl of soup or a fresh salad, such as Crunch Slaw, for a complete meal. You can also use it for sandwiches, adding meats or cheeses for a hearty lunch option. Consider serving it with Golden Delight Punch for a refreshing drink.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To reheat, toast slices or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of County Raisin Rye Bread contains roughly 1094 calories, with 65g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), protein (130% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2143mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for this recipe. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine, usually liquids first, followed by dry ingredients, and select the whole wheat or rye bread setting.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, ensure that your yeast is active. You can test it by mixing it with warm water and a bit of sugar; it should foam within a few minutes. If it's not active, you may need to start over with fresh yeast. Also, make sure your rising environment is warm and draft-free.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to enhance the flavor. Just ensure not to overload the dough, as it can affect the rising process. Be creative and adjust according to your taste preferences!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).