Cretan Barley Rusks

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 cup barley flour
• 1 tbsp dried yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3 cups warm water, plus a little extra to start the yeast
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

Method

1. In a bowl, stir the yeast and sugar into a little lukewarm water and leave for a few minutes to activate.
2. In a large bowl, mix the three flours with the salt.
3. Add the oil to the yeast, then work it into the flour, adding the remaining water a little at a time.
4. Knead for 5 minutes, then cover and rest for 15 minutes.
5. Shape the dough into balls, then into large rings.
6. Place on an oiled tray and leave to rise for 1 hour.
7. Bake in a hot preheated oven (about 200°C) for 15 minutes. While still warm — not hot — cut each ring across the middle and return it to the oven.
8. Turn the oven off and leave the rusks inside for 40 minutes to dry out.
9. They're ready once cool.