German Brotchen

4 eggs whites
water
coarse salt'
Dry yeast
Unbleached organic all purpose flour
seeds of you choice

Mix together;
3 egg whites the lukewarm water to measure 3 cups total.
Add 1 Tablespoon of Coarse salt, 1 1/2 Tablespoon of dry yeast and 6 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour.
Now stir these together and allow to rise at room temp for 2-5 hours. then cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for about 2 hours before first use. (Can be refrigerated for up to 5 days).

To bake;

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes. (Place a Baking stone for preheating if you have one. This will help hold the heat temp in the oven and allow the bottom to crisp.)
2. Now take dough out of frig and pull off about peach size balls.Shape into ovals and place on a Silicone baking pad or Parchment lined cookie sheet. Let rise about 20 minutes (you can go up to 60 minutes for the rise- the longer the rise the airier the brotchen) Just a note here- German brotchen is known to be denser in texture.Therefore the shorter time is more authentic.
3. Next brush to tops with beaten Egg White and you can add seeds of your choice at this point.
4. Using a serrated knife cut across the top of each oval.
5. Place in prepared oven (on top of stone if you have one) and mist with water ( I use a spray bottle here). Bake for 25 minutes until browned (a deep caramel color).
6. Remove from oven and place on a drying rack to cool.
7. Enjoy.



Number of Servings: 24

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user AUNTIEE1.