BRAIDED SWEET POTATO BREAD
(www.vegsource.com)
Makes 2 loaves
A delightful, russet-colored bread with a gentle hint of thyme.
Ingredients
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water
1/4 cup safflower oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 cups cooked, well-mashed sweet potato
3 tablespoons honey (or honey substitute, e.g. maple syrup)
1 cup soymilk
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup unbleached white flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
soymilk to brush tops of leaves
Directions
Combine the yeast and the Water in a medium-sized mixing bowl and let
stand for 10 minutes, or until dissolved. Stir in the oil and thyme,
then the mashed sweet potato, honey, and soymilk. Stir gently until the
mixture is smooth.
In another bowl, combine the flours, cornmeal, and salt. Make a well
in the center and pour in the wet mixture. Work together, using a spoon
at first, then hands, until thoroughly combined into a dough. Turn out
onto a floured board and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, adding additional
flour until the dough loses its stickiness. Place in a clean bowl and
cover with a tea towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 and ½ hours, or
until doubled in bulk.
Punch the dough down and turn back out onto the board. Divide into
six equal pieces. With hands, roll each piece into a long coil, about 1
inch in diameter. To make each loaf, braid three coils and pinch the
ends together. Place the leaves on a floured baking sheet, cover with
the tea towel, and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Brush
the tops of the leaves with soymilk. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven
for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the leaves feel
hollow when tapped.
Your question and comments are welcome
