Cocoa Rye Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons yeast
1 cup molasses
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
2 1/2 cups lukewarm water
4 cups rye flour
1/2 cup cocoa
5 cups white flour (or whole wheat)
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 cup walnuts (optional)

Preparation

Dissolve sugar in 1/2 cup warm water and sprinkle yeast over, and allow to stand 10 minutes til yeast rises. Stir.
Add molasses, salt and shortening to the 2 1/2 cups lukewarm water.
Stir the rye flour and cocoa together, then beat into the molasses mixture.
Add the dissolved yeast and 1 cup of white flour and beat til dough is smooth.
Keep adding flour until dough is firm enough to turn onto a floured surface.
Knead the rest of the flour into it until dough is smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover and allow to rise in a warm place free from drafts. (approx 2 hours).
Punch dough down.
Shape into 2 or 3 loaves and place in well greased loaf pans.
Allow to rise again 1 hour.
Bake 375F 35-40 minutes.
(if you want, add the raisins and walnuts with the flour for a delicious tea bread).