Swedish Limpa Bread Recipe

This is my moms special recipe for making Swedish Limpa.

Ingredients

• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 1/3 cups dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 2 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds
• 2 teaspoons anise seed
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups cold water
• 3 tablespoons yeast
• 4 cups rye flour (medium)
• 5-6 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Combine first six ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil; boil for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Let cool some, then add the salt and cold water.
3. Test the temperature, then add the yeast.
4. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the rye flour and as much white flour as needed to make a soft dough.
5. Knead well.
6. The bread dough will be sticky.
7. Let rise until double.
8. Shape into 4 loaves (Traditionally in round loaves, but loaf pans work also) and let rise again until double.
9. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes.
10. Note: This is an authentic Swedish limpa baked in the old world tradition with brown sugar and molasses. Limpa bread has a dense texture and a sweet flavor with a hint of anise and orange.