The first loaf was horrible--it didn't rise. The crust was hard. The chickens liked it. I have 3 more loaves in the oven now. Here's what I did:
1 c buttermilk
2 T veg. oil
1/2-3/4 water
1 egg
5 ice scream scoops of starter
2 T molasses (black strap)
1 T grated orange rind
2 T orange juice (freshly squeezed)
1 T cocoa
1 cup sauerkraut (pulsed in the FB)
2 T caraway seeds
2 T fennel seeds
2 T brown sugar
1 tsp Kosher salt
4 T yeast
3 c dark rye flour
4-5 c AP flour
I mixed everything in the stand mixer, dumped the dough in the breadmachine set on dough setting. Kneaded the dough 15 minutes, shaped into loaves. Let rise for 20 minutes (I had planned to check in 30, but the dough was double in 20). Brushed with egg white and sprinkled rye flakes on top.
Preheated oven to 375. Put a pan of water in the bottom, sprayed the oven. Put the loaves in. I plan on checking them in 25 minutes to spray the oven again, check interior loaf temp. Waiting for it to reach 98F.
The photos are (1) when the loaves were shaped, (2) when the loaves went in the oven. Let's see how this batch turns out! So far, it looks like it might. The dough was tasty (yes, I tasted it). And, I liked the feel...we'll see.