Halloween Brimstone Bread (Printable Version)

Vibrant red dough balls topped with a crackled black layer offer a striking Halloween treat.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Dough

01 - 1 box instant bread mix
02 - 240 ml warm water (40°C to 46°C)
03 - Red food coloring, as desired
04 - 2 tablespoons active dry yeast (approx. 24 g)
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (approx. 25 g)
06 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (approx. 30 ml)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (approx. 3 g)

→ Black Topping

08 - 1 1/2 cups rice flour (approx. 180 g)
09 - 2 tablespoons active dry yeast (approx. 24 g)
10 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (approx. 25 g)
11 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (approx. 30 ml)
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (approx. 3 g)
13 - Black food coloring or activated charcoal, as preferred
14 - Additional water for coloring, quantity as needed

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine instant bread mix, 2 tablespoons active dry yeast, 240 ml warm water (40°C to 46°C), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt according to bread mix guidelines, mixing thoroughly.
02 - Incorporate red food coloring into the dough until a deep, dark blood red hue is achieved and mix evenly.
03 - Divide the red dough into 12 equal portions and place them evenly spaced on a cookie sheet.
04 - Cover dough balls with a damp towel and allow them to rise until doubled in size, following the bread mix's recommended rising time.
05 - Combine rice flour, 2 tablespoons active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a mixer until homogenous.
06 - In a separate bowl, blend black food coloring or activated charcoal with sufficient water to form a dark, inky liquid.
07 - Gradually add the black colored water to the dry mixture, stirring continuously until a thick, sticky, and spreadable black topping emerges; adjust color intensity as desired.
08 - Cover and let the black topping stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to develop flavor and consistency.
09 - After dough balls have risen, generously spread the black topping over the tops and sides of each red dough ball using clean hands.
10 - Allow the topped dough balls to rest uncovered for 15 minutes to ensure the topping adheres properly.
11 - Place the dough balls on the center oven rack and bake according to the instant bread mix instructions until done, approximately 20 minutes.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Use a high-quality instant bread mix and ensure yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Adjust food coloring amounts to achieve desired intensity. Monitor baking closely to prevent burning.