Bohemian Beer Bread 16-03-2014

Bohemian Beer Bread 

Ingredients:

4 cups all purpose flour
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
2 packages fast-acting dry yeast
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 cup beer
2 Tablespoons honey or sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1 egg, beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place flour, butter, yeast, caraway seeds, salt and garlic powder in bowl of food processor. Use dough blade and pulse several times until well mixed and butter is cut in.
2. Heat beer, honey and water until warm (about 130 degrees). With machine running, slowly add warm liquid mixture through feed tube. Process until dough is smooth and leaves side of the bowl.
3. Remove dough and shape into smooth ball. Place in greased 1-1/2 –2 quart casserole dish, turning once to grease top. Flatten gently to edges. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Brush top of loaf with a beaten egg. Place in oven for 25-30 minutes. Loaf is done when it sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.

NOTE: For the most authentic Bohemian bread, substitute 1-1/4 cups rye or wheat flour for the same quantity of white flour.

Serves: 6