If the weather outside is frightful stay inside and bake this superb bread! It’s a quick bread – in every sense of the word – no yeast – no kneading – no waiting! In an hour or so you can be munching on a steaming hot slice slathered with melting butter or cream cheese. You’ll be grateful that it’s quick when the aroma wafting from the oven drives you mad with wanton desire.
The bread has a chewy crust and a soft, tender, incredibly moist but dense crumb. So much so that it required three go-arounds in the toaster for it to get just a bit of golden color to it. The flavor is lightly reminiscent of beer, with little melted pockets of Cheddar and Green Chiles dotted throughout. I loaded up the crust like an ‘everything’ bagel with poppy, caraway and sesame seeds, along with a light sprinkle of sea salt. It added an extra dimension of flavor and enhanced the already delicious crust even further. I’m quite sure it would be just fine without the topping and a light scatter of cheese instead. And without the Green Chiles or with Jalapenos in their place.
If you have had disappointing experiences working with yeast, or just find yourself wishing for the time to cook up some fresh, hot bread to go with that soup, chili or stew you planned on making then this is just the thing for you. Pop this in the oven first and it will be ready when your soup is. Then come back and thank me. Sounds like a plan.
