Rye Beer Bread

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Servings: 24
Yield: 24 servings

Description

Beer and rye complement each other well in this robust light bread, each bringing out the unique flavors of the other. Be sure to use a quality beer to ensure a good result.

Ingredients

2 cups rye flour
1 1/2 cups room temperature beer
2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons shortening
1 egg
3 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon caraway seed
1 tablespoon cornmeal

Directions

1 Combine rye flour, beer, and yeast in a large bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Set out overnight. Do not refrigerate.
2 The next day, add sugar, salt, shortening, and egg; beat with mixer until smooth. Stir in caraway seeds, if wanted. Add enough white bread flour to make a soft dough.
3 Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth, approximately 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to oil the surface of the dough. Let rise in warm place about 1 hour, or until doubled.
4 Punch down dough, and divide in half. Shape into round or oblong loaves, and place on greased baking sheets sprinkled with corn meal. Let rise for 30 minutes.
5 Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Cool on racks.