In the halls of Winterfell, black bread is easy to find. Of course, bread can be found in many lands and nations, but the black bread of the North is fitting for its inhabitants. It possesses a darker color, higher fiber, and stronger flavor than other breads. It's denser as well, implying a great inner strength. Such food seems to symbolize the soul of the Stark family: gritty and stronger than anyone gives them credit for, with hidden resources that emerge when needed. Flavorful and healthy, it's both a treat and practical nourishment. (A Game of Thrones, Chapter 5—Jon)

　　

Ingredients

Makes 1 loaf

　　2/3 cup warm water

　　1 3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)

　　3 tablespoons molasses

　　2 teaspoons canola oil

　　1 cup medium rye flour

　　1 teaspoon kosher salt

　　1 tablespoon caraway seeds, toasted and ground

　　2-3 cups bread flour

　　1 tablespoon honey

　　1 tablespoon strong coffee

　　

Step 1

1. In a large bowl, combine water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the molasses. Stir to dissolve and let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.

　　

Step 2

2. Add remaining molasses, oil, and rye flour; stir to combine. Add salt, caraway, and enough bread flour to create a firm dough. Add flour only to reduce stickiness. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 5-8 minutes. Return to bowl, dust the top with flour, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Rise at room temperature until doubled in volume, about 2 hours.

　　

Step 3

3. Coat a 9" × 5" loaf pan with pan spray and line the bottom and short sides with a strip of parchment. (If you don't have pan spray and parchment, grease the bottom and sides of pan with vegetable shortening.) Turn risen dough onto a floured surface and shape into an oblong loaf. Place into prepared pan and set aside to proof for 30 minutes, or until dough rises above the pan. Preheat oven to 350°F.

　　

Step 4

4. Combine honey and coffee; brush gently onto the surface of risen dough. Bake until golden brown and hollow sounding, about 30-40 minutes. Cool 10 minutes, remove from pan, and cool completely on a rack.

　　A Word of Wisdom

　　This dough is commonly baked in loaf pans that are short in height and long in length. Slices of these mini loaves make the perfect base for appetizers like Desperate Travelers' Acorn Paste.

　　Reprinted with permission from The Unofficial Game of Thrones Cookbook by Alan Kistler, © 2012 Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.