Heart Beet Bread, Will You Be My Valentine?

Oh, heart beet bread,

So pure, so pink

I shaped you 

And I watched you grow

But oh, heart beet bread,

I must confess

My love for you 

Before I must 

Split you into two. 

Oh heart beet bread 

Please forgive me 

For breaking thee.

Yes, for what you have heard is true.

Pink is a beet

And love is this tune

That marries

Garlic, Sage, and Rosemary 

With yeast that has yet to bloom.

 If you are in need of a valentine 

Or have a kitten with wishes for one too

This bread is bound to fall in love with you. 

Heart Beet Bread
Adapted from: lovefoodeat
Yield: One loaf

Click here for printable recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup beet pure from cooked beets 
• 1/2 cup water, warm
• 1 tablespoon cane sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 4 large cloves of garlic, minced
• 3-4 sprigs of rosemary, chopped
• 3-4 sprigs of sage, chopped
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (To make your own: 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy milk + 1/2 tbsp lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 2 cups white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour 
• More olive oil to brush on top

Method:

1. Puree the cooked beets using a blender or food processor and set aside. 
2. In a glass measuring cup, dissolve the sugar in the warm water, then stir in the active dry yeast using a fork. Let rest for about 8 minutes.
3. When the yeast is activated, pour it into a large bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and sage and stir. Then, mix in the beet puree, buttermilk, and salt. 
4. Slowly add the flours and stir with a wooden spoon until a dough is formed. Use your hands to knead the dough for 3-4 minutes until smooth. 
5. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and put in a warm place to rise for 40 minutes. 
6. Fold the dough in on itself to deflate fully, recover, and let rest for an additional 40 minutes. 
7. Lay dough on a lightly floured surface and roll into a long log. Shape the dough into a heart, leaving space in the center that will expand during rising. Cover the heart with the damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes. 
8. Preheat oven to 375 and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when you tap the top of it. After removing the bread from the oven, brush with a light coat of olive oil. Let cool completely before slicing into your beloved heart. 

Happy Valentines Day,

Please comment below to share how you will be spending February 14th ♡