Dark Brown Dinner Bread

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)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, water and honey.  Allow to rest for 10 minutes to proof yeast.
2. Add in remaining ingredients except flours.  Beat well to combine.  
3. 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. 
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Place both breads on a greased cookie sheet and slice crosswise along the top with a sharp knife to create design.
7. Preheat oven to 375 F.
8. Allow to rise until doubled and then brush on beaten egg and bake about 20 minutes or until the crust is deep brown.  

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