Today, I have reason to be sad (I discovered that my sourdough mother was accidentally thrown out… only a few will relate) and I have reason to be happy (I am surrounded by so much goodness and many things for which I am thankful). What bread should a sad happy baker make? Why, how about a little bit of Sadhappy Bread.
Whimsical rolls
A cannoli-sized mini-loaf
A study in contrasts
The Rules*
The rules governing the creation of Sadhappy Bread are simple:
- it has to be made with two contrasting doughs (in my case I made a light dough and a dark dough – but you can do contrasting flavors also),
- the two doughs have to be entwined in fanciful and delightful patterns (a ritual to creatively embrace the nature of contrasting elements),
- and you have to listen to Sadhappy (an awesome Seattle band from the way back era) while baking. Check em out…
* These rules are not real. I just made them up. In fact, there is no such thing as Sadhappy Bread. I suppose it was a good thing I wasn’t feeling frisky and foolish this morning. Although, Friskyfoolish Bread might be interesting. Hmmm.

Mark's Sadhappy Bread
Today, I have reason to be very sad and I have reason to be very happy. What bread should a sad happy baker make? Why, how about a little bit of Sadhappy Bread.
Ingredients
Sad Bread ingredients...
- 1 scant tablespoon (or 1 ¼-ounce package) active dry yeast
- 1½ cup warm water about 110 degrees
- 2 tablespoons coffee flour
- 2 tablespoons carob powder
- ¼ cup teff flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2½ - 3½ cups unbleached flour
Happy Bread ingredients...
- 1 scant tablespoon (or 1 ¼-ounce package) active dry yeast
- 1¼ cup warm water about 110 degrees
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3-4 cups unbleached flour
Instructions
Sad:
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In a large bowl, stir yeast into water to soften.
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separately, whisk together the coffee flour, carob powder, teff flour, and salt - add to the yeast and water. Mix in the molasses and vegetable oil. Add 1 cup of the unbleached flour. Beat vigorously for two minutes.
Happy:
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In a separate large bowl, stir yeast into water to soften.
-
Add the salt and oil to the yeast and water. Add a cup and a half of flour and beat vigorously for two minutes.
Follow the remaining steps for each recipe:
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Gradually add flour, ¼ cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the side of the bowl.
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Turn dough out onto a floured work surface. Knead, adding flour a little at a time, until you have a smooth, elastic dough.
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Put dough into an oiled bowl. Turn to coat the entire ball of dough with oil. Cover with a tightly woven towel and let rise until doubled, about one hour.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled work surface. Go nuts - be crazy and sensational and strange and silly. Create unique patterns and let your emotions energize your movements. Perhaps dance a little jig. This is the true essence of being sadhappy. Shape the dough and arrange about 2 inches apart on a well-greased baking sheet (or use parchment paper) - or use large muffin tins.
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Cover with a tightly woven towel and let rise until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.
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About 15 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees.
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Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown (the internal temperature should reach 190 degrees).
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Remove the rolls from the baking sheet or pans and cool on racks.