Finnish Flat Bread Recipes

FINNISH-AMERICAN FLATBREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the salt, whole wheat flour and rye flour. Mix in the bread flour 1 cup at a time until the dough is not sticky. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, turning to coat. Set aside to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• Punch down the dough and divide into 4 or 5 portions. Form each one into a ball, and let rise again until doubled, about 20 minutes.
• Place each ball onto a baking sheet and flatten out into an oval 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Poke holes all over using the tines of a fork. Let rise again until doubled, 20 to 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until browned on the top and bottom. Brush the tops with butter while still warm.

FINNISH FLATBREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk just until moistened. , Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 3-5 minutes. Pat onto an ungreased 12-in. pizza pan. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

FINNISH NISSUA

Steps:

• Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Stir in the margarine, sugar and salt until melted. Let cool until lukewarm. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
• Pour milk mixture into a large bowl. Beat in eggs, 1 1/2 cup flour, cardamom and yeast mixture. Cover and let stand for 20 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
• Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
• Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal pieces and then divide each piece into thirds. Roll out with your hands until the pieces are long enough to braid. Braid three pieces together to form a loaf; repeat twice to make three loaves. Place on lightly greased baking sheets and let rise for 40 minutes, until nearly doubled. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until golden brown. Move to a wire rack to cool completely.
• In a small bowl, mix together butter and confectioners' sugar. Stir in vanilla and 2 teaspoons milk to make a spreadable frosting. Spread the frosting over the cooled bread.

FINNISH BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add whole wheat flour, 2 tablespoons of butter, brown sugar, salt and 2 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch the dough down. Shape into two 6-in. rounds; place on a greased baking sheet. Cut slashes in top with a knife. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes. , Bake at 400° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with remaining butter.

FINNISH FLAT BREAD

Steps:

• Combine dry ingredients.
• Cut in shortning, until course crumbs.
• Add milk; mix just until dough is wet.
• Knead on floured surface 5-6 times.
• Pat onto ungreased 12in pizza pan.
• Bake at 350* for 30 minutes, until golden.
• Cool.

RIESKA (FINNISH QUICK FLAT RYE BREAD)

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients, as if you were mixing for a pie crust.
• Dough will be soft.
• Roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Bake for 10 minutes at 475 degrees.