Classic Deli Pumpernickel Bread

I always liked Pumpernickel, I remember many an occasion coming home from cheder to the delicious aroma of my mother’s just baked Schwartzn Broit; therefore, considering that Passover is over and once again we can eat bread, I present a recipe I adopted from Bread: Bread, Rolls, Coffee Cakes, Quick Breads, Biscuits, Muffins, Scones and More:

Photo from Bread, page 9

Makes 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 1 cup cold strong coffee *
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 tbsp margarine
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 1/2 cups bread flour, divided
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp caraway seeds
• 2 cups medium rye flour
• cornmeal
• melted margarine (optional)

Directions

1. Combine coffee, molasses, 2 tablespoons margarine and salt in medium saucepan; heat over medium heat to 115 to 120 F.
2. Meanwhile, dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl of mixer, let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in coffee mixture. Add 2 cups bread flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa and caraway seeds, beat at low speed – with paddle attachment – for 2 minutes. Add rye flour, 1/2 cup at a time; beat until dough begins to form a ball.
3. Replace paddle attachment with dough hook. Add enough remaining bread flour, 1 tbsp at a time, if necessary to prevent sticking. knead at low speed 5 to 7 minutes o until dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Shape dough into a ball. Place dough in greased bowl; turn to grease top. Cover and let rise in warm place 2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; sprinkle with cornmeal. Punch down down dough. Divide dough in half; shape each half into a round, slighly flattened loaf. Place on prepared baking sheets. Cover and let rise in warm place for 1 hour or until almost double in size. Preheat oven to 375 F.
6. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped. Remove to wire racks to coll completely. Brush tops of loaves with melted butter, if desired.

* Use fresh brewed coffee or instant coffee granules prepared according to package directions.

Enjoy, gentle reader, enjoy!

CS