Dawnwatcher Rye Loaf

Dawnwatcher Rye Loaf

Moderate

Village of Barovia

A hearty, dark bread that was once a staple in the Kolyanovich household. Perfect for starting your day before facing the terrors of Barovia.

I learned this recipe from Ismark himself, back when he was still the Burgomaster's son. In the quiet hours before dawn, when the mists still cling to the streets of Barovia, I would help him prepare this bread. The smell would waft from the kitchen, bringing a sense of normalcy to the otherwise cursed village. Ismark told me that his father would break his fast with this bread, finding strength in its dense, nourishing texture. I've kept the recipe exactly as he taught me, though I've added a few of my own spices to bring warmth to even the coldest Barovian morning.

This recipe was passed down through generations of Burgomasters, each adding their own touch to the traditional formula. The current version includes a special blend of spices that was Ismark's personal addition, meant to bring warmth to even the coldest Barovian morning.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups dark rye flour
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp caraway seeds
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • A pinch of ground cloves (for that Barovian spice)

Instructions

  1. Begin at dawn, when the first light breaks through the Barovian mists
  2. Dissolve yeast in warm water, watching it bloom like hope in the darkness
  3. Mix flours, seeds, and spices in a large bowl, as if gathering the strength of the land
  4. Add molasses and butter, their richness symbolizing the wealth of the Burgomaster's house
  5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, working out your frustrations with the dark forces
  6. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, covered with a cloth as dark as the Barovian night
  7. Shape into a round loaf, as round as the full moon over Castle Ravenloft
  8. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, until the crust is as dark as the Svalich Woods
  9. Let cool before slicing, as if preparing for a long day of fighting the darkness
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Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 12

Best served with strong coffee and a side of determination.

Related Quests

  • Burial of Kolyan
  • Defending Barovia