This moist dark brown baguette loaf is perfect to serve at dinner alongside slices of white french baguette.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 - 2 cups white flour
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, water and honey. Allow to rest for 10 minutes to proof yeast.
- Add in remaining ingredients except flours. Beat well to combine.
- Add whole wheat flour and mix with a dough hook if using a mixer. Add enough white flour to make a soft dough that comes away from the sides. Knead with mixer about 8 minutes or knead by hand on a floured counter. about 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Add sprinkles of flour as needed to keep from sticking to the counter.
- Turn dough into a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until double in bulk. This will take at least an hour, maybe more because the dough is heavy.
- Divide dough in half and roll each piece into a long narrow rectangle keeping in mind the length of your baking sheet. Roll up long side first to make a long cylinder shape and repeat with remaining piece of dough.
- Place both breads on a greased cookie sheet and slice crosswise along the top with a sharp knife to create design.
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Allow to rise until doubled and then brush on beaten egg and bake about 20 minutes or until the crust is deep brown.