Cocoa Bread

Jamaican Cocoa Bread Recipe - Ingredients: Cocoa Powder, Sugar, Yeast, and more

Region / culture: Jamaica | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cocoa bread is a delicious and unique bread recipe that incorporates the rich flavor of cocoa powder. This bread is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth but still want to enjoy a savory bread.

History

Cocoa bread has its origins in traditional bread recipes that have been passed down through generations. The addition of cocoa powder to bread recipes adds a unique twist and creates a flavorful and aromatic bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
0.25 cup of sugar
0.5 tsp of salt
1 cup of milk
3 tbsp of shortening
1 yeast cake
0.25 cup of lukewarm water
about 3.5 cups of flour

How to prepare

Mix the cocoa, sugar, and salt.
Add the scalded milk and shortening.
Let it stand until lukewarm, then add the softened yeast in lukewarm water.
Add enough flour to make a dough that can be handled, then knead until smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise until doubled in bulk.
Cut it down and knead again.
Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in a greased pan, and let it rise until doubled in bulk.
Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 1 hour.
Optionally, add half a cup of walnut meats to the dough during the second kneading.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to scald the milk before adding it to the cocoa mixture to enhance the flavor.

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Let the dough rise until doubled in bulk to allow the yeast to fully activate and create a soft and airy bread.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy cocoa bread toasted with butter or jam for breakfast, or serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup for a comforting meal.

Cooking Techniques

Scalding the milk before adding it to the cocoa mixture helps to enhance the flavor of the bread.

- Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic creates a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil or butter instead of shortening.

- Substitute almond milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight for a convenient make-ahead option.

Presentation Ideas

Slice cocoa bread and serve it on a wooden cutting board with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair cocoa bread with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a delicious and comforting snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cocoa bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, toast slices in a toaster or warm in the oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cocoa bread contains approximately 200 calories, making it a satisfying and filling snack or meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cocoa bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

Cocoa bread contains around 5 grams of fat per serving, which provides essential fatty acids for overall health.

Proteins

With about 6 grams of protein per serving, cocoa bread is a good source of this essential nutrient for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Cocoa bread is rich in iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are important minerals for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Cocoa bread may contain gluten and dairy allergens, so be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Cocoa bread is a nutritious and delicious bread option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Cocoa bread is a unique and flavorful bread recipe that is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet twist on traditional bread. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this bread is a nutritious and delicious option for any meal or snack.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a simple recipe for Cocoa Bread that I found tucked away in an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and stained from years of use, and the handwriting was faded, but the recipe itself was clear and easy to follow.

I had never heard of Cocoa Bread before, but the combination of cocoa powder and bread intrigued me. I could imagine the rich, chocolatey flavor mingling with the warm, comforting taste of freshly baked bread. It seemed like the perfect treat for a cold winter day.

I decided to give the recipe a try, following each step carefully and measuring out each ingredient with precision. As I mixed the dough and kneaded it until it was soft and elastic, I could smell the sweet aroma of cocoa filling the kitchen. I knew I was onto something special.

After letting the dough rise and shaping it into a loaf, I popped it into the oven and waited anxiously for it to bake. The scent of chocolate and bread wafted through the house, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, the timer dinged and I pulled the Cocoa Bread out of the oven. It was a beautiful golden brown, with a crust that crackled as I tapped it with my finger. I couldn't wait to slice into it and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I cut into the warm loaf, I was met with a burst of chocolatey goodness. The bread was soft and fluffy, with a subtle sweetness that was perfectly balanced by the deep, rich flavor of cocoa. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I shared the Cocoa Bread with my family, and they were equally impressed. They marveled at the unique combination of flavors and textures, and I could see the joy on their faces as they took their first bite. It was a hit.

From that day on, Cocoa Bread became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, for Sunday brunches, and sometimes just because. It never failed to bring a smile to our faces and warmth to our hearts.

Over the years, I made small tweaks to the recipe, adding a touch of cinnamon here, a sprinkle of sea salt there. Each variation brought its own unique twist to the classic Cocoa Bread, but the essence of the original recipe remained the same.

I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who were equally enchanted by its charm. They asked me where I had learned to make such a delicious treat, and I told them the story of how I had stumbled upon the recipe in an old cookbook, tucked away in a forgotten corner of my kitchen.

As the years passed, my love for Cocoa Bread only grew. It became more than just a recipe; it became a part of my identity, a way to connect with my past and share a piece of myself with others. I cherished the memories of baking it with my own grandmother, and I hoped to pass it down to future generations.

And so, as I sit here now, penning this story for you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will carry on the tradition of Cocoa Bread. May it bring you joy and comfort, just as it has brought me. And may you always remember the simple pleasure of a warm loaf of bread, infused with the sweet magic of cocoa.