Swedish Limpa Bread

Name: Swedish Limpa Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2 loaves (12 pieces each)
Cuisine: Europe
Ingredients: 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup dark molasses; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 2 tablespoons grated orange zest; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon aniseed, lightly crushed; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup cold water; 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 to 4 cups rye flour; 2 tablespoons cornmeal; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 30 min.

Yield 2 loaves (12 pieces each)

Test Kitchen Approved

This Swedish limpa bread recipe combines the nutty taste of rye with rich molasses, anise and orange for soft, aromatic loaves you simply won't be able to resist.

Ingredients

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup dark molasses
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon aniseed, lightly crushed
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 to 4 cups rye flour
2 tablespoons cornmeal
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, molasses, butter, orange zest, salt, aniseed and boiling water; stir until brown sugar is dissolved and butter is melted. Stir in cold water; let stand until mixture cools to 110° to 115°.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in molasses mixture; mix well. Add
all-purpose flour and 1 cup rye flour. Beat on medium speed 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining rye flour to form a stiff dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape dough into 2 oval loaves. Grease 2 baking sheets and sprinkle them lightly with cornmeal. Place loaves on prepared pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°. With a sharp knife, make 4 shallow slashes across top of each loaf. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks; brush with butter.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 186 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.

I've entered my bread in several fairs and it has won every time! Orange and anise give it a subtle but wonderful flavor. —Beryl Parrott, Franklin, Manitoba

Recipe Creator