Wintertime Treat - Mixed Seed Rye Sandwich Bread

Actually, the title is a little misleading. NOT because it is some other kind of bread. It really is a sandwich bread, complete with rye flour and even caraway seeds. In fact, this bread is probably the closest I have ever made to the 'white' rye we used to get at the famous Bernie's Bakery I have talked about in past posts. The crumb is a little closer maybe. The crust just slightly less chewy. But this is the real deal. It's just that you can make it and eat it anytime. I called it a wintertime treat because I am stuck in the house from a snow storm. Hence, the wintertime treat. You can enjoy it all year.

I got the idea from a customer of mine who likes the advantage of being able to special order just about anything and get it home delivered. One of the breads she orders MUST include lots and lots of seeds and nuts chopped coarsely, and mixed into the dough. Then baked as a loaf (not free-standing but in a loaf pan so it can be sliced for a sandwich.

This dough is different from hers but the idea is similar. I have included a combination of bread flour and rye and mixed the seeds right in. It is perfect for my famous TLT (turkey lettuce and tomato) sandwich.

 The photos you see here are of the bread, of course, but also the turkey pastrami and mayo both of which are also homemade. It's not difficult, and if anyone wants the recipe for either just drop me a line. I will gladly share. For the bread...

Here's What You'll Need:

3 1/4 cups bread flour
1 1/4 cups rye flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons nonfat dry milk*
1 Tbs. light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon instant dry yeast
1 1/2 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Optional topping:
1 egg white
sunflower of pumpkin seeds

* To keep my dough non-dairy, I keep a package of non-dairy baby formula on hand. It substitutes perfectly in all recipes calling for milk powder, but without the dairy.

Here's What You'll Need to Do:

1. Sift together into a large bowl, the flours, milk powder, sugar and yeast.

Then make a well in the middle, and mix in the oil, lemon juice and lukewarm water.

Add the seeds.  Mix with a spoon until it comes together to form a shaggy dough that 'cleans the bowl'.

2. Remove the dough from the bowl to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is shiny and smooth.

3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat, then cover and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled, about 2 hours.

4. Remove the dough from the bowl and deflate it. Shape it into a rough rectangle, fold it in three, like a letter fold and place it, seam-side down in a 9 X 5 in. loaf pan (23 X 13 cm.).

 Cover it with a damp dish cloth and let it rise for about 30 minutes until it reaches the level of the pan.

5. Heat the oven to 350 F (180 C) and bake for 30 minutes until it is a rich brown. Cool on a rack. If you wish, you can brush the unbaked loaf with egg white and sprinkle some seeds over the top. This is a truly delicious sandwich bread, one you will come back to again and again.