
For this recipe you’ll need a heavy cast iron saucepan and lid. I use a Le Creuset one, but any cast iron one is good!
I use the cup method of measurement since my daughter Cara bought me some stainless steel measuring cups for my birthday

The recipe can be found in “Bealtaine Cottage Guide to the Deep Midwinter ” book on the website…see menu at top of page, or the link at the bottom of this blog.

I used a mixture of white and wholemeal flours.

I also added some healthy grains and seeds to this recipe.

There is nothing to compare to the smell of homemade bread!
Remove loaf from pan and leave to cool.
Book Update…
The proof returned from the printers today, so I am busy reading and re-reading…
I expect the cover through in the next day or two. At that point I will feel confident enough to allow purchase of advance copies, knowing that the book will be off the presses and delivered to me by a certain date. I’m delighted with what I am reading and seeing so far. I’m happy also that I chose to go with printers here in Ireland, although this makes the book more expensive…the alternatives are not in keeping with what Bealtaine Cottage represents, works for and most importantly, cares for.
I hope to be back on this site with good news before the end of the week!
Pleased to announce, here it is!

The Bealtaine Cottage Guide To The Deep Midwinter
A little Yuletide book filled with colour photographs, recipes, reflections, lore, poetry and mirth to guide you through the wonderful days ahead. Fifty pages of sheer delight from Bealtaine Cottage to you. The book is fully bound and can be posted direct as a gift. Price includes P&P worldwide. Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.
15.00 €
Blessings to you XXX
Colette at Bealtaine Cottage
I need to try this. While cleaning out Mama’s house 4 years ago, I found a heavy Dutch oven that had belonged to Daddy’s mother. It would be perfect for this bread. And how perfect to use something that’s been in the family so long.
Serendipity at play here!
I’ve just recently found you and your site always brings me back to center. The book looks beautiful. I’ve ordered as well…if just to have a little piece of Bealtaine Cottage with me everywhere I go. Lol. No seriously it’s a comforting thought to be able to crawl into the pages whenever possible. Thank you for bringing it to Life! Many Blessings!
Thank you for your kind words…it feels good to be appreciated! Blessings X Colette
I was so so down and depressed today until i went and visited your youtube channel which brought me here about an hour ago when i started reading your book and decided to order it 🙂 I feel renewed energy and am moved to tears thank you for reaching out and showing people that there is another way i shall continue being inspired by your spirit thank you so much Collette I just looked up the meaning of your name did you know in Greek it means People’s victory 🙂 if you manage to inspire millions of people like you do me it truly will become a people’s victory.
I am so very happy to read your words. Blessings dear Bettina XXX
Hello Colette,
Made your bread yesterday in my newly purchased cast iron Dutch oven. It was wonderful!!!!! This morning I will try it toasted with homemade (and home grown) plum jam.
I greatly enjoy your posts, pictures, and permaculture inspiration. I live on a small island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. Many here honour the earth by creating a permaculture way of living.
Best wishes from Canada!
Janice
I am thrilled that this simple bread recipe is now in Canada…share it around, for good bread is filled with good health…and love! Blessings and thanks for sharing this with me XXX Colette
The bread looks delicious and I can’t wait to try it but I’ll have to source a Dutch Pot first. I think I’d ditch the cling film and use a damp cloth though. Less stuff to buy (better for my purse) and better for my health and the environment.
Nice one!
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Hi, what diameter is your cast iron pot? Thanks.
About 8-10 inches I think…
Looking forward to both the bread and the book!
This looks so good, I can’t wait to try it. I am so looking forward to your book as well. Happy to hear that you weathered the storm. We haven’t had a good storm here in Ohio in a long time, but I always loved them and even enjoy it when the electricity goes off, The fierce storm blowing outside and the stillness and candlelight inside is always comforting.
usually it is the same for me…but this was terrifying!
I am so glad to read you have stuck to your ethics for the production of your book…….and a small independent Printers gets the business. much love and blessings to you xxx
Thanks Lou…this is what Bealtaine Cottage was founded on!
I also have a daughter named Cara, beatiful name.. Could you make the bread in a loaf tin? I don’t have a cast iron pan with a lid.
I don’t think so…but it’s worth a try!
Evening Colette, your bread looks amazing I am going to make some tomorrow. So excited , I cannot wait to buy your book. Blessings to you xxx
Thanks Melanie…it’s been a long road!
Do you know how much your book will sell for yet?
21 euros plus 5 euros P&P
Could I use a sourdough starter instead of dry yeast?
I am not sure as I have not tried that…but you could try it and let me know. The recipe may have to be adjusted as you go along…
The bread looks delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe and all your hard work. Best.
Bless you X
Peak prosperity interesting thought ( I think ) the honey bee is not native to America, the Native American’s called them the White Man’s fly. Wonder what is the native pollinator? we never hear about them. Just wondering.
Wild bees are on the endangered species in the US…so I have recently read…
That bread looks amazing and homemade bread is always the best! Even my teenage son says so!! I will give this recipe a go for sure.
Good to hear all is going well with your book. Waiting with anticipation for it’s release!
Blessings to you Colette xxx
Thanks and blessings X
Thanks for what sounds like a delicious bread recipe! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks also for the very exciting update on your book; also can’t wait to order my copy! Congrats on such a huge accomplishment, especially given that you managed to write it while maintaining a magnificent forest garden.
Lynn
Bless you…I appreciate that you understand what an effort this has been…worth it, I hope!
Reblogged this on Deer Heart Reiki Blog and commented:
Sharing the goodness from Collette
Bless you XXX
Looking forward to trying your bread. I plan on a mixture of flours because I am wheat free and very little if any gluten. The seeds will be delicious I am sure.