My take on, quite possibly, the best whole wheat bread I've ever had.
I make this bread often -- and when I say often, I mean at least once or twice a week. That's over 100 times a year! (That's a lot of bread for a family of 4!) But, when you have a picky 5 year old that actually loves this bread, I'll make it everyday if I have to!
I feel like I've really perfected this recipe over time, so I'm ready to share :)
I love the sweetness, texture and density of this bread. I think it tastes very similar to my favorite whole wheat bread from Great Harvest. However, I've added one of my favorite ingredients -- flax seed!
Be sure to check out the FAQ below on how to consistently get a great loaf of bread every time.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 tablespoon yeast
2 cups warm water
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup quick oats
1/4 cup ground flax seed
4 cups whole wheat flour
In your mixing bowl, add yeast, warm water and honey. Let sit between 5 and 8 minutes, or until bubbly and frothy. Add remaining ingredients. With dough hook, mix on low for about 30 seconds. Turn off mixer and scrape sides with spatula. Mix on medium speed for 7 to 8 more minutes. Remove dough hook and cover bowl with cloth. Let rest for 1 1/2 hours. Dough should be at least double in size.
Turn oven on to 325 degrees. Spray bread pan with cooking spray. Rub flour on hands well, and throw dough out onto floured surface (I use white flour) and form into a log. Place dough in bread pan and place immediately in oven, once preheated. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove bread from pan immediately and let cool on wire rack. Let sit for several minutes before slicing. Bread is best when cooled completely.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:
How do you get perfect bread every time?
Bread, as with any baked good or pastry, must have precisely measured ingredients.
Bakeries typically use scales to measure their ingredients, which will get that perfect loaf of bread every time. Most people at home though, typically do not have a scale to measure out their ingredients.
What I do:
At home, when not using a scale, I just use measuring spoons and measuring cups, making sure to level off the top. For the flour: I Keep my flour in a large air-tight container (not the bag it came it.) Each time I fill my measuring cup, I give the flour a good stir with a whisk, or a knife. This will loosen up the flour. If your flour is compact, your measuring cup will fill with compact flour. Did you know that you can add an additional cup (or more) of flour than the recipe calls for if your flour is compact?
After my flour is loosened, I scoop my measuring cup into the flour and fill it with a small mound on top. Then, I take the back side of a dinner knife and tap several times, moving across the cup. Then I level it off. I repeat this each time I need to scoop out flour (whisk, tap, level).
I promise, this will give you a consistent amount of flour every time...no matter what recipe you are using.
