Chocolate Cherry Sourdough

I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process….It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?

Sourdough is my favorite bread to make in the fall and winter. It is loaded with Lactobacillus bacteria that transforms the wheat into incredible properties. It unlocks all the zinc and minerals along with the  B vitamins that make this into something incredible to eat.
Did you know that sourdough is considered a medium low glycemic food. It is the bacteria that does this while you are letting the bread rise. Unseen microbes that make bread into something far better for you than can understand. It gathers yeast from your kitchen that form the sourdough starter and make your bread rise uniquely to your home. Every bodies kitchen and area that they live in, have wild yeast that are native to their area. So your sourdough bread will always have you unique yeast from your home put into your bread.

This bread is so good that it will wow your guest. With hints of chocolate and bites of cherries, it really to die for and easy to make. One of my favorite ways to use this bread is chocolate paninis. Sliced the bread in thin slices and place small amounts of dark chocolate in the middle and then heat in your panini press or skillet until the chocolate starts to melt. It is heavenly. You can also serve it with fruit and cheese and honey. Ok, now I have to stop writing because it is making me hungry. Chocolate and me have a love affair. It is true.

Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Bread

Print Recipe

By: Donna Schwenk

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried sour cherries
• 1½ cups sourdough starter
• 1¼ cup water
• ¼ cup honey
• 3½ to 4 cups of white whole wheat flour
• ¾ cup Dutch Processed cocoa powder
• 2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Place the starter and water in a bowl along with honey in a heavy – duty electric mixer or a large bowl.
2. Add the dry ingredients.
3. Mix with dough hook ( or knead by hand) for 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Add dried cherries and mix again about 2 minutes.
5. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
6. Let rise in a warm place for about 5 hours or until double in size.
7. Punch dough down and shape into a round loaf or 2 small loaves in the shape of your choice.
8. Place in loaf pans or baking dish. ( I used a large souffle dish)
9. Cover with a cloth and let rise 1½ to 2 more hours
10. Bake at 425 for about 40 to 45 minutes or until crust is a dark brown.
11. Remove from pan and transfer to a rack to cool.

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