Finnish Flatbread Food

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-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 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.

OHRARIESKA (FINNISH BARLEY FLATBREAD)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500°F Mix all ingredients until smooth.
• Generously grease a baking sheet (a 12-inch pizza pan works well). Pour the batter onto the sheet - bread should be 12 inches in diameter.
• Bake for 15 minutes, until bread is firm and golden brown.
• Cut into wedges, and serve hot with butter or cheese. This is definitely at its best shortly after it has been baked.