Russian Black Bread (Rolls or Loaves)

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded bran cereal
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed (optional)

• 2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 4 cups medium rye flour
• 1 egg white, to brush over loaves before baking (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water, to brush over loaves before baking (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan, heat water, molasses, oil, and baking chocolate until very warm (120F - 130F degrees). The chocolate does not need to be completely melted.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, blend all-purpose flour, bran, sugar, coffee, salt, onion powder, fennel seed, and yeast at low speed until moistened. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed.

3. 3

   Stir in, by hand, the rye flour.

4. 4

   On well-floured working surface, knead the dough, adding 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups additional all-purpose flour as needed, until dough is smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Dough will be slightly sticky.

5. 5

   Place dough in a greased bowl, and then turn the dough so the greased side is up. Cover and let rise in a warm place until not quite doubled in size (about 45-60 minutes).

6. 6

   Generously grease (not oil) two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans or cookie sheets. Punch down dough.

7. 7

   For Rolls: divide dough into 24 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Place in prepared round cake pans.

8. 8

   For Loaves: divide dough in half and shape each half into rounds. Place in prepared pans.

9. 9

   Cover and let rise in warm place until not quite doubled in size (30-45 minutes).

10. 10

    Heat oven to 375F degrees. If desired, brush rolls or loaves with mixture of 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon water.

11. 11

    Bake rolls for 35-40 minutes. Bake loaves for 45-55 minutes, or until crust is dark brown and loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped.

12. 12

    Immediately remove from pans and allow to cool.