How to Make Irish Brown Bread From the Nora Roberts Book "The Awakening"

buttermilk

🥗Healthier: yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Yogurt provides a similar tang and moisture.

whole wheat flour

🥗Healthier: spelt flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Spelt is often easier to digest.

melted butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil adds healthy fats.

honey

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Maple syrup offers a unique flavor.

Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 0.5 cup of rolled oats, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl and whisk together.

To make buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1.75 cups of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes.

Add 2 tablespoons of molasses to the buttermilk and stir until well combined.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients in the bowl.

Pour the buttermilk mixture into the center of the well.

Use a fork to slowly stir the wet mixture and incorporate little bits of flour from the sides.

Once the dough becomes thick, flour your hands and mix by hand to incorporate the remaining flour.

Turn the dough out onto a lined cookie sheet with parchment paper and shape it into a round loaf, patting it down to about 2 inches thick.

Cut a deep cross into the center of the dough with a sharp knife.

Bake in the oven at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.

Check if the bread is done by flipping it over and tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens