- 1/2 cup dark molasses
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 5 cups medium rye flour
- 1/4 cup gluten
- 1/2 cup instant potato flakes
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 tablespoons shortening
- 2 tablespoons caraway seed
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- In a small bowl, mix together the molasses and warm water; stir in the yeast. Let stand for 10 minutes, or until foamy. In a large bowl, stir together the rye flour, gluten, potato flakes, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and shortening to the dry ingredients, and stir until stirring is too difficult.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. It's okay to take a few breaks. Place bowl upside down over the dough, and let dough rise until double in size, about 45 minutes.
- When the dough has risen, flatten out to remove air bubbles, and roll up into a nice tight loaf. Grease a baking sheet, and sprinkle with cornmeal. Place the loaf on the sheet, and let rise in a warm place until double, about 45 minutes
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Bake the loaf for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.